I've been given holiday but is now handing in my notice. Can my employer refuse me to take my holiday?

Generally, no, unless there is something in your contract that states otherwise. Since the holiday is already approved, they should honour that. It's only if you're now handing in your notice and then saying "oh, and can I have a holiday?" that they are within their rights to refuse. If they do seem to be concerned about it, I would just outline to them how you intend to make sure that all your work is handed over, blah blah blah. I know that my employer, for example, definitely wouldn't be difficult about this because they'd expect that you'd just walk out without notice if they were difficult (which I personally wouldn't do, but good to know that they think that!). However, if your holiday year runs January - December (it doesn't in all companies; some run April - March or others run July - June) then it may be that, because it's only February now, you won't have accrued two weeks' holiday yet. This means that you'll be taking the holiday without pay.

It would depend. where i work i am entitled to 23 days holiday which i can take when i like. the holidays reset in january and i am only entitled to what i accrue, so for example i book 2 weeks holiday for february, 2 months after december so i have only accrued 2 x 2 days. normally this would be fine but if leaving wouldnt be so it is all dependant on your employer. best to check but my guess is yes you can take the 2 weeks off but all days you have had which have not yet been accrued will be deducted from any money that they owe you.

He cannot refuse your two week holiday as it has been previously booked. This two week holiday will work towards your 4 week notice. However, if he does refuse you to take the hoildays, he must then pay you any holiday pay yo have remaining, in your last pay.