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Gibraltar

Vacation and Leave Policies

Understand the regulations on vacation and other types of leave in Gibraltar

Holiday leave

Employees are entitled to a minimum of 20 working days of paid annual leave per year, as mandated by the Employment Act 1958 and the Employment Regulations 1978. This entitlement increases to 25 days for those who have been employed for at least eight years.

Part-time Entitlement

Part-time employees are also entitled to leave, but this is calculated on a pro-rata basis, depending on the number of hours they work.

Accrual of Leave

Vacation leave accrues throughout the year, and employees are not required to take leave before it has been accrued.

Scheduling Leave

The scheduling of vacation leave should be a collaborative effort between employers and employees. This should take into account the operational needs of the business and the preferences of the employee.

Unused Leave

While it is generally expected that annual leave is taken within the year it is accrued, there may be specific circumstances where unused leave can be carried over to the next year. This is subject to agreement with the employer.

Public holidays

Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, celebrates a number of public holidays throughout the year.

New Year's Day

This holiday is celebrated on the 1st of January, marking the start of the new year.

Commonwealth Day

Commonwealth Day is observed on the second Monday in March.

Good Friday

Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Its date varies each year, falling either in March or April.

Easter Monday

Easter Monday, the day after Easter Sunday, is also a public holiday in Gibraltar. Its date varies each year, falling either in March or April.

Workers' Memorial Day

Workers' Memorial Day is observed on April 28th to honor workers who have died or been injured on the job.

May Day

May Day is celebrated on the 1st of May.

Spring Bank Holiday

The Spring Bank Holiday is observed on the last Monday in May.

Queen's Birthday

The Queen's Birthday is a public holiday in Gibraltar. The date varies each year, falling in June.

Late Summer Bank Holiday

The Late Summer Bank Holiday is observed on the last Monday in August.

Gibraltar National Day

Gibraltar National Day is celebrated on September 10th.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day, a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, is observed on December 25th.

Boxing Day

Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26th, the day after Christmas.

Types of leave

In the realm of employment, there are several types of leave available to employees. These include annual leave, sick leave, maternity leave, paternity leave, bereavement or compassionate leave, and other types of leave such as parental leave and leave for public duties.

Annual Leave

Employees are entitled to a minimum of 20 working days of paid annual leave per year, as mandated by the Employment Act 1958. Those who have worked for eight years or more are entitled to 25 days. Leave accrues throughout the year and cannot be required to be taken before it's earned.

Sick Leave

Employees qualifying under the Employment Sick Pay Order are entitled to paid sick leave after completing a certain period of employment. The duration and compensation details depend on factors like the length of service.

Maternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to at least 20 weeks of paid maternity leave. This begins 8 weeks before the expected due date and continues for 12 weeks following the birth, as per the Employment (Maternity and Parental Leave, and Health and Safety Regulations).

Paternity Leave

Fathers are entitled to 10 days of paid paternity leave following the birth of their child, as per the Employment (Maternity and Parental Leave, and Health and Safety Regulations).

Bereavement Leave/Compassionate Leave

While not specifically mandated by law, many employers offer a short period of paid leave following the death of a close family member.

Other Types of Leave

Unpaid parental leave may be available upon request, subject to eligibility criteria. Additionally, employees may be entitled to time off for specific civic responsibilities.

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