In Barbados, the Holidays With Pay Act, 1951-4 primarily governs vacation leave entitlements. Employees with less than five years of service are entitled to 3 weeks (21 working days) of paid annual leave. Those with five or more years of service are entitled to 4 weeks (28 working days) of paid annual leave. All employees, once they have completed one year of continuous service, become eligible for vacation leave. Leave accrues throughout the year, and employees earn it proportionately based on their length of service. Employers generally determine the timing of when employees can take their leave, subject to the operational needs of the business.

Unused Vacation Days

Unused vacation days may expire six months after the earning year unless the employer has a policy to carry them forward. Employees are entitled to receive their regular pay during their vacation leave period.

Probationary Period and Contract Terms

Employers may have less generous leave policies for employees during a probationary period. The terms within your employment contract may grant you more favorable leave entitlements.

Barbados celebrates a variety of national, historical, and religious holidays throughout the year.

National Holidays

• New Year's Day (January 1): This day marks the start of the calendar year.
• Errol Barrow Day (January 21): This day celebrates the life and legacy of Errol Barrow, the first Prime Minister of Barbados and considered the "Father of Independence".
• May Day (May 1): Also known as Labor Day, this day recognizes the contributions of workers.
• Whit Monday: Celebrated the seventh Monday after Easter, it marks Pentecost in the Christian calendar.
• Emancipation Day (August 1): This day commemorates the abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1834.
• Kadooment Day (First Monday in August): This is the vibrant culmination of the Crop Over festival, featuring colorful costumes, music, and dancing.
• Independence Day (November 30): This day celebrates Barbados' independence from the United Kingdom in 1966.
• Christmas Day (December 25): This day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
• Boxing Day (December 26): Traditionally a day for giving gifts to service workers, now observed as an additional holiday.

Religious Holidays (with variable dates)

• Good Friday: This day commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
• Easter Monday: This day is celebrated the day after Easter Sunday.

In Barbados, labor laws outline several types of leave entitlements for employees. These rights are primarily defined in the Holidays With Pay Act (Cap.348), Employment Rights Act, and Shops Act.

Annual Vacation Leave

Employees with less than 5 years of service are entitled to a minimum of 3 weeks (21 days) paid annual leave per year, as per the Holidays With Pay Act (Cap. 348). Those with 5 or more years of service are entitled to a minimum of 4 weeks (28 days) paid annual leave per year. Employees become eligible after one year of continuous service.

Sick Leave

According to the Employment Rights Act, employees are entitled to paid sick leave after completing 12 months of continuous service. The amount of paid sick leave is determined by the length of service. Employers usually require a valid medical certificate to substantiate sick leave claims.

Maternity Leave

The Employment Rights Act states that female employees are entitled to 12 weeks (3 months) of paid maternity leave. To qualify, they must have been in continuous employment for at least 12 months at the time their leave begins.

Paternity Leave

Fathers are entitled to five days of paid paternity leave upon the birth or adoption of a child, as per the Employment Rights Act. Fathers must be in continuous employment for at least 12 months at the time of the child's birth or adoption.

Bereavement Leave

The Employment Rights Act also provides for three days of paid bereavement leave in the event of the death of an immediate family member (spouse, child, parent, etc.).

Study Leave

The Shops Act states that shop workers may be entitled to unpaid leave for the purpose of attending day classes for educational advancement.

Other Types of Leave

Employees are entitled to time off to serve on a jury, and employers may not dismiss them due to jury service. The court usually provides compensation for time served.

Important Considerations

Many employers offer more generous leave entitlements than the legal minimums. It's advisable to refer to your employment contract and company policy handbook for more specific provisions.