Newly-arrived British bloke is left stunned by Aussie Christmas tradition: ‘I need answers’
A British expat who moved to Australia a month ago was shocked to learn that it was common for workers to take up to two weeks off over Christmas.
Cam, a tradie who works in South East Queensland, shared a video questioning the extended break after his boss prepared to close their construction site on Thursday.
“I’m told, ‘What are you doing for Christmas? We’re closed for two weeks. We’ll be back on January 6,'” he said.
‘What? I thought I was coming to work next week.’
Cam claimed that his hours during the holidays in England were completely different to those in Australia and that he often had to work on public holidays.
“Yes, I have Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day off, but the rest I work,” he said.
‘In Britain you’re lucky if you have Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve off.
“Apparently it’s common knowledge and I should have known.”
British expat Cam (pictured) was shocked to hear he had two weeks off work over the Christmas holidays
Cam ended by captioning his video on Instagram, “I need answers.”
Several Aussies were amused to hear his confusion, but assured him the pause is standard practice.
‘Unless you work in retail or hospitality, the rest of the country is closing down! Enjoy!’ said one.
“Work to live, don’t live to work, welcome to Australia,” wrote another.
“Dude, it’s summer and there are two cricket Tests. How should we solve that?’ said another.
“December and January are quiet months, mate,” wrote another.
Often referred to as a ‘shutdown’ period, many Australians are given extended leave over the holidays that are not taken from their annual leave.
Depending on the industry, the holiday usually lasts from December 25 to early January.
Not all employees are entitled to days off during holidays and depending on their contract, they may need to apply for annual leave.
Public holidays also differ between states and territories, with only Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory recognizing Christmas Eve as a public holiday.
Similarly, in Britain it is up to the employer whether to give his staff holidays.
Employees also have the option to use their leave entitlement to request time off for vacation.
Cam claimed he normally only had the days off around Christmas.
“I remember my office being closed for a maximum of four business days,” he wrote.