information regarding holidays

Hi all just wondering if you can help me in any way.The last few weeks have been really stressfull for me due to family problems,I have been to the doctor who has advised me to take a break from work and get away for a couple of weeks.I decided that I didnt need time of work and this matter is not work related.However my parents went and booked a surprise holiday for me as this was suggested by the doc.I have some holidays left but unfortunately my employer cannot give me that time of.

I am unsure what to do,as in this case i have been totally honest with my employer,I could of taken the doctors note and been out sick for a few weeks,but I have just asked for a week of.

If I cant get this week it means my parents will loose the money that they have spent on this holiday.Is there any other leave i could ask for,even unpaid leave?

Any advice wold be appreciated.

Thanks

I think it would be a mean employer who wouldn't allow you to take a surprise holiday you were given as a present. What does your contract say, if anything, about unpaid leave - it may be your best option.

www.citizensinformation.ie, www.employmentrights.ie and www.entemp.ie have information on your statutory rights in relation to taking holidays. Basically full time employees are entitled to a certain amount of paid annual leave but the timing of taking them generally must be negotiated between employer and employee. The employee can't generally just announce that they're off on a whim.