i want to take 1 day annual leave but my employer insists i take a week at a time, as this is easier for him to monitor annual leave taken. can he do this. ( the time i wish to have off does not present an operational problem)
Yes he can. You are entitled by law to a minimum amount of annual leave but your employer is entitled to decide when you take it. He can make you take it all at once if he wants to.
Any restrictions on the taking of annual leave must be incorportaed into your contract. Most will say annual leave to be taken with the permission of your manager which would be sufficient to cover the company.