John working in retail banking asks "What are my annual leave entitlements?"

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In ROI

Hi John, You are entitled to 4 weeks of basic annual leave. You may be provided more than this so read your contract of employment or your employer handbook.

  • It is up to your employer to decide when annual leave may be taken.
  • However, they must consider your family responsibilities, opportunities for rest and recreation that are available to you.
  • They must consult with you (or your union) at least one month before the leave is to be taken.
  • Annual leave should be taken within the appropriate leave year or with your consent, within 6 months of the relevant leave year.
  • You may carry-over annual leave days into the next year if both you and your employer agree to it.
  • It is illegal for your employer to pay you to work through your annual leave.
  • If you are leaving your job, you must receive payment for any outstanding annual leave and public holidays due to you.

 

In NI

Hi John, if you’re a worker in Northern Ireland, you’re legally entitled to a minimum of 5.6 weeks’ paid annual leave per year. That works out as 28 days if you work a standard five-day week.

This can include bank holidays your employer doesn’t have to give them as extra unless your contract says so.

If you work part-time, your holiday is calculated on a pro-rata basis. For example, if you work three days a week, you’re entitled to 16.8 days’ leave per year.

Some key points:

You start building up annual leave from your first day of employment.

If you leave your job, you’re entitled to be paid for any leave you’ve built up but not used.

Your employer can control when you take your leave, but they can’t refuse to let you take it at all.

You can’t be forced to take unpaid leave instead of your statutory entitlement.

If your contract offers more than the legal minimum, that’s a contractual benefit but your employer can’t go below the statutory 5.6 weeks.

If you’ve had issues taking your leave or been denied it unfairly, speak to your union rep—you might have a case for a grievance or claim.

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