Annual Leave
Annual leave is paid time off work that employees are entitled to take for holidays and personal time, with a statutory minimum in the UK.
Annual leave is your entitlement to paid time away from work. In the UK, the statutory minimum is 5.6 weeks (28 days for full-time workers), which can include bank holidays. Many employers offer more than the minimum, 25-30 days plus bank holidays is common for professional roles.
Annual leave accrues over time. If you start mid-year, your entitlement for that year will be pro-rata. Similarly, if you leave, you'll be paid for accrued but untaken holiday or may have excess leave deducted from final pay.
Taking regular breaks from work is important for wellbeing and productivity. Many employers encourage (and some require) that you take a minimum amount of leave each year rather than carrying it all forward.
Key Points
- UK statutory minimum is 5.6 weeks (28 days for full-time)
- Bank holidays can be included in this entitlement
- Many employers offer 25-30 days plus bank holidays
- Leave accrues over the year and is pro-rated for part-time
- Unused leave may be limited in how much can carry over
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my employer refuse my holiday request?
Yes, for genuine business reasons. However, they can't unreasonably refuse or prevent you from taking your full entitlement. Discuss alternative dates if a specific request is declined.
What happens to unused holiday when I leave?
You're entitled to be paid for accrued but untaken holiday. If you've taken more than your accrued entitlement, the excess may be deducted from your final pay.