Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year will sound as hollow this year as it has every other year to the majority of Brighton building workers.

Despite European rulings and Government and union initiatives, these workers will still find themselves over the Christmas period and into the New Year forced to take a fortnight or more holiday without pay.

This is illegal.

These workers should realise they are entitled to four weeks' holiday pay every year.

Not only are they entitled to holiday pay for the year just worked, they can also backdate their claim for entitlement to holiday pay for previous years.

With four weeks' holiday per year, in some cases this can mean the employee being owed several thousands of pounds.

If you find yourself in the position of having time off with no pay and wish to claim your rights, phone the Transport and General Workers Union on 0207 7208 344 or Kevin Williams on 0207 7001 3300 or 0771 0272 309.

Above all, don't sit in the pub and moan about it. Do something to help yourselves this Christmas.

Ring us now and we will help you claim your rights.

WH Wilson, shop steward, Transport and General Workers' Union,

-Goldstone Villas, Hove