COVID-19: My employer forced me to work during annual leave. What are my rights?

Reader raises the steps taken by employer and asks if they are within the UAE’s Labour Law

Last updated: October 14, 2020 | 17:06

Huda Tabrez, Living in UAE Editor

2 MIN READ

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What are the steps that your employer can legally take to mitigate the effect on COVID-19 on their business?

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A Gulf News reader wrote in sharing the steps his employer had taken.

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The reader's employer took a few steps, including sending employees on annual leave. However, employees were asked to continue working from home at the same time.

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The reader wanted to know if the steps that were taken were within the Labour Law.

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Joanna Matthews-Taylor, Partner, Employment at Baker McKenzie Habib Al Mulla, a UAE-based law firm.

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What are the regulations issued by MOHRE?

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Ministerial Resolution no. 279 of 2020 Regarding the Stability of Employment in Private Sector Companies.

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Salary cuts need to be agreed upon by the employer and employee.

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Any changes to the work contract taken without an employee's consent can be deemed as a breach of contract.

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Forcing employees to take annual leave during lockdown

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Annual leave dates can be determined by the employer, according to UAE Labour Law.

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If you work from home during your annual leave, you would need to re-credit the leave to your account.

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Annual leave requests

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You can reach out to the Ministry to raise any complaints or grievances by visiting mohre.gov.ae website or through their 24x7 hotline – 800 60.

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