And is that pool getting an extra week to compensate for this week being removed?
And how true is the "whenever you like"?
Idk, I think they're getting as many weeks as their employment contract dictates. That's how it always worked for me.
If I'd been getting an extra week beyond that, a long-standing perk that's used to help recruit employees, I'd certainly be annoyed and considering my options if it gets taken away.
People consider their options every single time they drive to work. No one is arguing that when perks are taken away you can be sad. But it's not like employers aren't disappointed by employees often too and still keep them for weeks, months, years longer after the disappointment.