24 December 2025/1 min read
Understanding your holiday entitlements is crucial when working in the UK. The UK has specific laws governing paid time off that every worker should know.
Statutory Holiday Entitlement
In the UK, almost all workers are entitled to:
- 5.6 weeks of paid annual leave per year
- For full-time workers (5 days/week), this equals 28 days per year
- Part-time workers receive a pro-rata amount
Key Points About Holiday Entitlement
Bank Holidays
- The UK has 8 permanent bank holidays per year
- Employers can include bank holidays in the 28-day entitlement
- Some employers offer bank holidays in addition to the statutory minimum
Accrual System
- Holiday entitlement begins accruing from the first day of employment
- During the first year, entitlement is calculated monthly
- After the first year, full entitlement is available immediately
Carry Over
- Most workers must take their leave in the leave year
- In some circumstances, up to 4 weeks can be carried over
- Special rules applied during the COVID-19 pandemic
Calculating Holiday Pay
Holiday pay should include:
- Basic salary
- Regular overtime
- Commission and bonuses (if applicable)
Your Rights
Employers must:
- Provide paid holiday
- Not discourage workers from taking leave
- Not replace holiday with payment (except on termination)
Need Help?
If you have questions about your holiday entitlements or employment rights in the UK, MetropolVisa can provide guidance. Contact us for assistance.