Navigating vacation and leave policies is crucial for businesses operating in Gibraltar. Understanding the statutory requirements ensures compliance and helps attract and retain talent. Gibraltar's employment laws outline specific entitlements for annual leave, public holidays, sick leave, and various forms of parental leave, all of which contribute to a supportive and productive work environment. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of these policies for 2025, offering clarity for employers and employees alike.
Annual Vacation Leave
Gibraltar's employment laws mandate a minimum amount of paid annual leave for employees. As of 2025, full-time employees are entitled to a minimum of six weeks of paid annual leave per year. This entitlement accrues from the first day of employment. Employers and employees can agree to more generous leave provisions, but the statutory minimum must be adhered to. Leave must be taken within the leave year it is accrued and cannot be carried over unless specifically agreed upon by both parties.
Public Holidays
Gibraltar observes a number of public holidays each year. These holidays are typically paid days off for employees. The specific dates may vary slightly from year to year, but the following are generally observed:
| Holiday | Approximate Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Commonwealth Day | Second Monday in March |
| Good Friday | Varies (March/April) |
| Easter Monday | Varies (March/April) |
| Workers' Memorial Day | April 28 |
| May Day | May 1 |
| Spring Bank Holiday | Last Monday in May |
| Queen's Birthday | Mid-June |
| August Bank Holiday | Last Monday in August |
| Gibraltar National Day | September 10 |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
| Boxing Day | December 26 |
If a public holiday falls on a weekend, it is customary for the following Monday to be observed as a holiday.
Sick Leave
Employees in Gibraltar are entitled to paid sick leave, subject to certain conditions. To qualify for sick leave pay, employees typically need to provide a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner. The entitlement is as follows:
- Eligibility: From day one of employment.
- Pay: Employees are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) after three consecutive days of illness.
- Duration: SSP is payable for up to 52 weeks.
- Rate: The rate of SSP is determined by the government and is subject to change. Employers may offer more generous sick pay schemes.
Parental Leave
Gibraltar provides for maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support parents.
Maternity Leave
- Eligibility: All pregnant employees are entitled to maternity leave, regardless of their length of service.
- Duration: A total of 14 weeks of maternity leave is provided.
- Pay: Employees are entitled to receive 14 weeks of maternity allowance, provided they meet certain contribution conditions.
Paternity Leave
- Eligibility: Fathers are entitled to paternity leave.
- Duration: Fathers are entitled to one week of paid paternity leave.
- Pay: Paternity leave is paid at a rate equivalent to the employee's normal weekly earnings.
Adoption Leave
- Eligibility: Adoptive parents are entitled to adoption leave.
- Duration: The primary adoptive parent is entitled to the same leave and pay as maternity leave.
- Pay: Adoption leave is paid at a rate equivalent to maternity allowance.
Other Types of Leave
While not mandated by law, employers may offer other types of leave, such as:
- Bereavement Leave: Leave granted to employees following the death of a close family member. The duration and pay are typically at the employer's discretion.
- Study Leave: Leave granted to employees for educational or training purposes. This may be paid or unpaid, depending on the employer's policy.
- Sabbatical Leave: Extended leave, typically unpaid, granted to employees for personal or professional development. The terms of sabbatical leave are determined by the employer.
