What is the scenario regarding payment for two successive regular holidays when an employee is absent from work on the day just before the first holiday?

The correct answer reflects the principle that payment for statutory holidays is often contingent upon an employee's attendance at work on the day immediately preceding the holiday. In this case, if an employee is absent on the day just before the first of two successive regular holidays, they are generally not entitled to payment for both holidays. However, if the employee works on the first holiday, that eligibility criterion may change, allowing them to be compensated for that holiday.

This approach is rooted in the need for employees to maintain a certain level of attendance and performance at work to qualify for holiday pay. Essentially, it serves as an incentive for employees to be present at work and underscores the importance of their attendance in relation to benefits they receive during non-working days, such as holidays.

Understanding this context helps clarify why an absence on the day before the first holiday affects eligibility for holiday pay. The scenario emphasizes the link between regular attendance and the benefits entitled to employees, illustrating how employers commonly manage holiday pay policies in the workplace.