Almost all workers in the UK are legally entitled to 5.6 weeks of paid holiday leave each year. This includes most individuals working under employment contracts, as well as certain categories of freelancers or gig workers. Even part-time workers are entitled to 5.6 weeks of leave, but this is calculated proportionally based on their working hours.

Important Considerations

Employers have the discretion to include the UK's 8 annual bank holidays within the 5.6 weeks of statutory leave or offer them as additional days off. Depending on the company's policy, some unused leave may be carried over to the next year, although this is not a legal requirement. Typically, there is a limit on the amount of leave that can be carried over. Employers and employees often collaborate to create vacation schedules, and employers must provide notice for any periods they require staff to take as leave.

In the UK, public holidays are commonly referred to as "bank holidays".

Bank Holidays Common Across the UK

• New Year's Day: Celebrated on January 1st.
• Good Friday: The date varies based on the Christian calendar.
• Easter Monday: The date varies based on the Christian calendar.
• Early May Bank Holiday: Observed on the first Monday in May.
• Spring Bank Holiday: Celebrated on the last Monday in May.
• Summer Bank Holiday: Observed on the last Monday in August.
• Christmas Day: Celebrated on December 25th.
• Boxing Day: Celebrated on December 26th.

Regional Variations

Scotland

Scotland observes two additional bank holidays:

• St. Andrew's Day: Celebrated on November 30th (or the following Monday if it falls on a weekend).
• January 2nd: This is an additional holiday observed in Scotland.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland observes two additional bank holidays:

• St. Patrick's Day: Celebrated on March 17th (or the following Monday if it falls on a weekend).
• Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen's Day): Celebrated on July 12th.

In the UK, there are several types of leave available to employees, each with its own set of entitlements and legal references.

Sick Leave

Eligible employees can receive Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if they are ill for four or more consecutive days. The amount of SSP and duration depend on various factors. The legal reference for this type of leave is the Employment Rights Act 1996 and associated regulations.

Maternity Leave

Eligible female employees can take up to 52 weeks of maternity leave. This is divided into two parts: Ordinary Maternity Leave, which covers the first 26 weeks, and Additional Maternity Leave, which covers the last 26 weeks. The legal reference for this type of leave is the Employment Rights Act 1996 and associated regulations.

Paternity Leave

Eligible employees can take one or two consecutive weeks of paid paternity leave. The legal reference for this type of leave is the Employment Rights Act 1996 and associated regulations.

Parental Leave

Eligible parents of children under 18 have the right to 18 weeks of unpaid parental leave per child. The legal reference for this type of leave is the Employment Rights Act 1996 and associated regulations.

Other Notable Leave Types

There are also other types of leave such as Bereavement Leave, Adoption Leave, and Shared Parental Leave. Some employers offer paid bereavement leave, though there's no universal legal entitlement in the UK. Similar provisions to maternity/paternity leave exist for parents who adopt. Eligible parents can share a portion of maternity leave and pay.

Important Considerations

Many employers offer leave benefits exceeding the statutory minimums. These are detailed in employment contracts or company handbooks. Specific eligibility criteria for some types of leave exist, such as length of service and income level.