Manager wants the same time off as me for annual leave - AIBU?

[hhgvbg]

I requested to book off a week early next year last month. It got approved by the head of my team, and has been put on our formal annual leave system and on the department's calendars.

My manager has now requested the same time off, and says that nobody is off on those days even though I am, I'm not sure why they can't see I'm off either it's not showing properly in the system or he hasn't checked properly. We're not allowed to have time off at the same time due to capacity.

I know I need to message my manager but I'm not sure what to say without sounding rude. I have booked a holiday for these dates specifically, gave a lot of notice and got the time approved.

'Dear Manager,

Looks like there must be a technical error as I already have those days booked off.

Kind regards,

OP'

Hi Bob. I am booked off from X-Y

It is really that simple.

I'd keep it friendly and light, but included screen shot/ reference to your existing confirmation.

Something like

Hi Dear Boss
I've just seen your request for X days. I'm so sorry, but a little while ago I booked those days to go to sunny Spain. My confirmation came through on 1st October - see attached so I'm afraid I'm all booked at started to pack lol. Not sure why it's not flagged in the system that those dates are available for you to book. Technology eh? I can see if I go to the system under holidays - dates - booked - my holiday is in there. Maybe you need to give a IT call to see what's going on so we don't get any double bookings!

All the best, Grumpy

I don’t understand the hesitation. Hi boss, god sorry it’s in the system I booked those dates a few weeks ago thanks

Do you get on with him OP?

Is he a good manager?

If so, there should be absolutely no problem in informing him that your already have those dates booked and approved.

If not, do you feel like he will make this into an issue? Or has he ever done similar in the past with anyone?

"Just to let you know I have a holiday booked on those dates. ??? approved it some while ago".

Just email saying "I've had leave approved for that week already - if its not on the system please let me know as I know its definitely been approved!"

If he has sent you an email asking if you have time off, then you reply “yes I do”. If he hasn’t specifically asked you then mind your own business, it is not for you to give your manager permission to take time off.

I understand op’s concern, as it’s perfectly legal for an employer to cancel/postpone annual leave as long as they provide an equal amount of notice to the leave. So basically, if you have two weeks booked off, as long as they cancel that leave with two weeks ‘notice’ then they have acted lawfully. (A lovely erosion of workers rights for us all to benefit from.)

I would take screenshots of everything in the system now op. Are you concerned that your manager is the kind of character who would cancel your leave? Truthfully; how much do you like/need your job?

I thought an employer needs to give double the amount of leave as notice to cancel it?

This isn’t an issue. Stop trying to make it one. Just reply saying you’ve already booked them off then if that’s your system.

he is a person like any other (or she) who puts their pants on one leg at a time.

If you really want to be a bit wet, send the "sorry, no" message.
If you want to be a grown up just write back and say "doesn't your system show this? I'm already booked for holiday over those dates" and put a screen-shot in. Don't apologise - you are entitled to holidays too.

No, it’s not double. That’s a common myth. It’s the same amount.

I have to agree with others, this is a non issue

If you’ve seen the email just reply “Just to let you know I have approved holiday for dates X to X”

Christ, don't send this kind of forelock tugging blather. Cringe

it really doesn't matter anyway. And none of this wet "sorry, i booked and can't change" and that waffly one about packing already. Blimey.

Just: I'm off from X to Y it's in the calendar" with screenshot if you like.

Just send a quick confirmation that you have the time off, with a screenshot for reference. He probably didn't look properly.

'Hi John, I've had the 1st-14th Feb already approved as annual leave. Please see screenshot below' will be fine.

Is there a bigger problem here?

It has to be for a business need, not just because a manager decides he want a holiday.

This is just embarrassing. Dont send this pile of shit.

Can you imagine a man sending a message like this? No. It's a vapid, giggling, desperate to apologise woman who writes that and pretty much shows a person who just wants to bend over and apologise for breathing and who cant make a point to a man without desperately trying to placate him.

It’s a business need if they require x amount of staff to be present at the same time, and the ‘business’ (aka manager) decides that his leave is more important.

its not likely, I’m just reading between the lines of the op’s anxiety. I’m also familiar with managers who are complete plonkers who abuse their power and have played favourites like this, either for themselves or their friends/colleagues.

it’s easy to advise bolshiness, but it’s worth bearing in mind that there is a possibility of her leave being cancelled. That’s why I asked how much she needed this job, obviously it’s not desirable to work for an employer who does behave like this, but not everyone is so fortunate as to pick and choose their workplace conditions.

I’m really not seeing issue. Either leave system glitchy or he’s not looked properly eg checked 2022 not 2023.
Just reply saying I’m already off x - y.

They cant cancel your leave and then give it to a manager.

Have you done it yet OP?

Do it! Do it!

Reply to email, "I have already booked date X to date Y"

Go on, do it

It’s a massive leap he’s being awkward and trying to cancel her leave. Sounds like he thinks no one else off. It just needs one line email to say I’m off x - y.
I suspect if he re checks her leave will be there. If it’s not and he says Op you aren’t off on system Op can show proof.

Are you anxious about the reply? Your leave being cancelled?