Since 1 October 2007 all workers have had a statutory right to at least 4.8 weeks paid annual leave. This means if a worker worked five days per week, they were entitled to 24 days paid holiday per year. 

On 1 April 2009 this entitlement increased to 5.6 weeks. Workers who work five days per week are now entitled to 28 days holiday per year. 

An employer may offer more than the minimum entitlement. The key points concerning holiday entitlement are: 

·        part-time workers are entitled to the same level of holiday pro rata as full time workers;

·        workers start to accrue holiday as soon as they start work;

·        employers can control when workers take their holiday;

·        payment is made for accrued but untaken holiday entitlement on the termination of a worker’s contract;

·        bank and public holidays can be included in the minimum entitlement; and

·        workers continue to be entitled to their holiday leave throughout their ordinary and additional maternity leave and paternity and adoption leave.

If you would like any more help on the issues raised in this article or have any queries on employment law please contact Richard Porter or Sam Welham at the firm’s Colchester office on  or send an email to employment@tsplegal.com.01206 577421

The content of this article is for general information only. Professional advice should be taken on each particular matter.