Workers who get sick for lengthy periods of time will be able to store up their annual leave and use it once they return to work, under laws to be published next month.

Ministers have approved a system where people on sick leave will be able to retain their holiday entitlements and use them when they're well enough to work again.

The new laws follow a ruling by the European Court of Justice, which says workers can keep their holiday entitlements for up to 15 months after returning from sick leave.

The laws are expected to be published in December and in place by early in the new year.