In the UK, employees are entitled to various types of leave — paid or unpaid — depending on their family, health or personal circumstances. Below are the key types of leave, including statutory annual paid holiday, which applies to most workers.

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Statutory Annual Leave

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Most employees are entitled to at least 5.6 weeks of paid holiday per year.

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This means:

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• 28 days for full‑time workers,

• pro‑rated for part‑time workers.

 

Bank holidays can be included within the 5.6 weeks, unless your contract offers more generous terms.

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Employers should clearly explain:

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• how to request holiday,

• when it can be taken,

• whether unused holiday can be carried over.

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Maternity Leave

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All pregnant employees are entitled to 52 weeks of maternity leave, regardless of length of service.

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Paternity Leave

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Fathers or partners may be entitled to paternity leave. Since 2024, it can be taken flexibly in two separate weeks.

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Adoption Leave

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Employees adopting a child may be entitled to:

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• ordinary and additional adoption leave,

• paternity leave,

• shared parental leave.

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Parental Leave

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Parents are entitled to 18 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a child, available until the child turns 18.

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Shared Parental Leave (SPL)

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Parents can share up to 50 weeks of the maternity leave entitlement.

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Parental Bereavement Leave

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Available if a child dies under 18 or in cases of stillbirth after 24 weeks.

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Bereavement Leave

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All employees have the right to unpaid time off if a dependant dies.

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Carer’s Leave

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Since 2024, employees have a day‑one right to one week of unpaid leave per year to provide or arrange care for a dependant with long‑term care needs.

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Emergency Dependant Leave

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Employees have the right to a reasonable amount of unpaid time off to deal with emergencies involving a dependant.

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When to seek advice

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Common issues include:

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• refusal of leave,

• incorrect holiday calculations,

• pressure not to take time off,

• difficulties returning after leave.

 

If you’re unsure about your entitlements, I can review your situation and explain your options.