Definition
The amount of paid time off that employees are legally entitled to take each year. In the UK, the statutory minimum is 5.6 weeks (28 days for full-time workers), which can include bank holidays. Employers may offer more than the statutory minimum.
UK Context
Governed by the Working Time Regulations 1998. All workers, including part-time and zero-hours contract workers, are entitled to 5.6 weeks of paid annual leave, pro-rated for part-time workers. The first four weeks must be paid at normal remuneration, including regular overtime and commission.
Best Practices
- Calculate part-time entitlements accurately using the 5.6 multiplier on working days per week
- Establish a clear holiday request and approval process with appropriate notice periods
- Monitor leave balances throughout the year to avoid excessive year-end carry-over
Frequently Asked Questions
How is annual leave calculated for part-time workers?
Part-time workers receive 5.6 times their working days per week. For example, someone working 3 days a week gets 3 x 5.6 = 16.8 days of annual leave, which can include bank holidays.
Can an employer include bank holidays in the 28 days?
Yes, employers can include the eight UK bank holidays within the 28-day statutory entitlement. However, many employers offer bank holidays on top of the 28 days. The terms should be clearly stated in the contract.