National Holidays on Sundays: How Should Employers Handle the Day Off?

Statutory Norms for National Holidays Falling on a Sunday

When a National Holiday falls on a Sunday, it is common practice in many countries for the following workday, typically Monday, to be observed as a day off in lieu of the holiday. This ensures that employees still receive the benefit of the holiday even though it fell on a weekend.

Employers usually follow the guidelines provided by labor laws or employment contracts regarding the treatment of holidays that fall on weekends. It's essential for organizations to communicate clearly with their employees about how such situations will be handled to avoid any confusion or disputes.

If you have specific concerns regarding this matter in your location, it's advisable to consult the relevant labor laws or seek guidance from HR professionals to ensure compliance with statutory norms.

Holiday Provisions Under Tamil Nadu Industrial Establishments Act

There is no Central Act governing the provision. You will have to consult the respective state act. This would be a very small act without many technicalities. Presuming your organization is covered under the Tamil Nadu Industrial Establishments (National, Festival, and Special Holidays) Act 1958, the provisions are as follows:

1. The employees covered under the Act shall be allowed in each calendar year a holiday of one whole day on the 26th January, the 1st May, the 15th August, and the 2nd October, and five other holidays each of one whole day for such festivals as specified by the State Government.

2. Wages - Every employee shall be paid wages for each of the holidays allowed to them.

3. Where an employee works on any holiday allowed, they shall be entitled to either:

(a) twice the wages; or

(b) wages for such a day and to avail themselves of a substituted holiday with wages on one of the three days immediately before or after the day on which they work.

So, if the national holiday falls on a Sunday, the employees availing the holiday will get wages for the day, and those who work on that day get benefits as above.