Legal advice on annual leave, contract expiry

Question

My contract at work expires at the end of this month. I have holiday leave left, approximately 2 days worth. But they are saying that all the leave is full, no one else can be off in the next 2 weeks. (its just a little admin job, they dont allow more than a certain percentage off a night because of stats of the work we do)

can they legally make me work and not allow me my leave?

Surely that means they are forcing me to work more than i have to.

Am i not allowed to use up my leave, isnt that just putting their little work rules ahead of my rights?

am i allowed to use my leave up freely, or would i have to use it to end my contract, i.e leave 2 days early because i have that leave (which they wont allow because those last 2 days are "fully booked")

What is my position here, if tommorow they refuse me leave and i have to go to the big boss what is my legal position to put forward.

I think its likely i will have to go to the trade union and complain, surely they cant close the last week off, if i want to finish early i should be allowed, i have done the hours of agreement on the contract.

Answer 1

no remember leave is on a pro rata basis

also if you cannot take leave which is not unusual then you will be paid in leu of for leave so should receive in money the leave you are owed, if any.

as it sounds you were on a temp contract thats how it will be

Answer 2

Your employer is allowed to refuse you leave for operational reasons. if you are unable to take the leave owed to you, your employer should pay you for it instead.