Faroe Islands

In the Faroe Islands, the regulation of vacation leave entitlements falls under the jurisdiction of the Faroese Holiday Act and collective agreements.

Minimum Vacation Entitlement

Every employee has a right to 25 working days, or 5 weeks, of paid vacation leave each calendar year.

Accrual and Eligibility

Vacation leave accrues proportionally throughout the calendar year. Generally, employees can avail their leave once it has been earned within the same calendar year.

Compensation

Employees are entitled to receive their regular salary in full during their vacation. Additionally, they should also receive a vacation allowance, typically 1% of the employee's annual earnings.

Collective Agreement Impact

Several industries in the Faroe Islands have collective agreements that surpass the legal minimum. These agreements may offer more generous vacation entitlements or additional benefits.

The Faroe Islands celebrate a variety of national, historical, and religious holidays throughout the year.

Fixed Date Holidays

• New Year's Day (January 1st): This day marks the beginning of the calendar year.
• Maundy Thursday (March/April): This Christian Holy Week event commemorates the Last Supper before Jesus' crucifixion. The exact date changes annually.
• Good Friday (March/April): This Christian holiday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The exact date changes annually.
• Easter Sunday (March/April): This Christian holiday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The exact date changes annually.
• Easter Monday (March/April): This day follows Easter Sunday. The exact date changes annually.
• Great Prayer Day (Store Bededag) (April/May): This unique Danish prayer holiday falls on the fourth Friday after Easter. The exact date changes annually.
• General Holiday (May 1st): This day celebrates the contributions of workers internationally.
• Ascension Day (May/June): This Christian holiday commemorates Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven. The exact date changes annually.
• Whit Sunday (May/June): This Christian holiday celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. The exact date changes annually.
• Whit Monday (May/June): This day follows Whit Sunday. The exact date changes annually.
• Constitution Day (June 5th): This day celebrates the signing of the Danish Constitution in 1849. It is also observed as a National Holiday in Denmark.
• Saint Olav's Eve (July 28th): This is the eve before Saint Olav's Day.
• Saint Olav's Day (July 29th): This is the main national holiday of the Faroe Islands, commemorating King Olav II of Norway. The festivities last for several days.
• Christmas Eve (December 24th): This is the day before Christmas Day.
• Christmas Day (December 25th): This Christian holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
• Boxing Day (December 26th): This day follows Christmas Day.

In the Faroe Islands, labor regulations and collective agreements ensure employees' rights to various types of leave. This includes vacation leave, sick leave, maternity leave, paternity leave, bereavement leave, and special circumstance leave.

Vacation Leave

Employees are entitled to a minimum of 25 working days of paid vacation each calendar year as mandated by the Faroese Holiday Act. During vacation leave periods, employees receive full pay plus a vacation allowance, which is usually 1% of annual earnings.

Sick Leave

Employees become eligible for paid sick leave upon completing a qualifying period, often defined in collective agreements. The specific duration of paid sick leave may vary based on agreements and employment history. Compensation for sick leave is usually a portion of regular pay. Many collective agreements have detailed payment structures that may offer full pay for a defined period, followed by partial pay.

Maternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to maternity leave before and after childbirth. The duration and specific arrangements are typically outlined in collective agreements. Eligible employees generally receive maternity benefits in accordance with collective agreements, which may involve coverage by social security or the employer.

Paternity Leave

The duration of paternity leave in the Faroe Islands often depends on collective agreements. Many agreements provide fathers with some paid paternity leave around the time of their child's birth.

Bereavement Leave

Employees may be entitled to short-term paid leave in the case of the death of a close family member.

Special Circumstance Leave

Employees may be entitled to short-term leave for reasons such as marriage, medical appointments, or civic duties. The specific provisions may depend on employment agreements or workplace policies.