A Dubai court has ordered an employer to pay Dh59,000 in compensation to an employee who was unable to take 13 years of accumulated leave. The case highlights the importance of adhering to labour laws and ensuring that employees receive their entitled rest periods.
Background of the Case
The employee, who worked for a company in Dubai for over a decade, argued that he was not granted annual leave as per the employment contract and labour regulations. Over the years, the unpaid and unused leave accumulated to a significant amount.
Court’s Decision
After reviewing the evidence and the labour law provisions, the court ruled in favor of the employee. The judgement mandated the employer to compensate the employee with Dh59,000, covering the 13 years of missed leave along with any applicable penalties.
Implications for Employers
This ruling serves as a reminder for employers to:
- Ensure compliance with labour laws regarding annual leave.
- Keep accurate records of employees’ leave entitlements and usage.
- Offer employees their due leave to avoid legal disputes and financial penalties.
Conclusion
Employees have the right to take their entitled annual leave, and employers must facilitate this to maintain a fair workplace. The Dubai court’s decision underlines the judiciary’s role in protecting workers’ rights and enforcing labour law compliance.
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