A guide to handling holiday leave

Holiday entitlement can cause headaches for employers. How do you work out employee holiday entitlement? What about holiday allowance for part-time staff? How much is the minimum holiday entitlement? And let’s not even mention the fact that the law around holiday entitlement changed fairly recently (from 1 January 2024). So, how do you stay on top of employee holiday allowance?  

Well, you’re in the right place! Our team of HR consultants has developed this super-handy free guide covering all things holidays  – so you know everything from your full-time employees’ holiday entitlement, to working out what to pay part-time staff for their holiday allowance.

In this FREE guide, you’ll learn:

• The most up-to-date laws around holiday entitlement and pay
• Handling holiday leave and entitlement
• Working out holiday allowance for part-time employees
• Understanding accrued leave
• Carrying holidays forward – the rules and exceptions

Key highlights from the guide:

1. Holiday entitlement and what it means for your team

Since 2009, the statutory minimum annual holiday entitlement is 5.6 working weeks of paid holiday per year – that’s 28 days for someone working five days a week. But what about part-time workers, or those with irregular hours? This guide provides clarity on how to calculate holiday leave, no matter your employee’s work pattern.

2. The 2024 changes to Working Time Regulations 1998 (WTR)

The Employment Rights (Amendment, Revocation and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2023 came into force on 1 January 2024, amending the WTR. One of the biggest areas of reform was how holiday entitlement accrues and is calculated for part-year and irregular hours workers. Learn how to navigate these changes and ensure you’re compliant.

3. Managing holiday requests with ease

Holiday requests can become chaotic. But they don’t have to be! This guide includes tips on handling requests efficiently, setting notice periods, and managing employee expectations. We also walk you through the latest carry-over rules for holiday leave and sickness, ensuring you remain compliant.

Why holiday leave management is crucial

Holiday leave a legal right for many types of worker – but working out who’s entitled to what isn’t exactly straightforward. With the potential to end up in an employment tribunal or in trouble with the new Fair Work Agency if you get it wrong, it’s crucial to understand how to calculate and manage employee leave properly. This guide ensures you have all the information you need to make holiday leave stress-free.

Make holiday leave hassle-free with Citation

With Citation, managing holiday leave is simpler than ever. Our Atlas platform lets you handle leave requests in just a few clicks — all while keeping track of entitlement, accrued leave, and more. Plus, you’ll have access to dedicated HR consultants whenever you need advice, available 24/7. Confused about holiday pay? Unsure about entitlement? Just give us a call. 

Ready to take the stress out of holiday leave? Download your free guide today and learn the best practices for managing holiday leave like a pro.

Need more help? Get in touch with Citation’s experts

If you have questions or need help right now, don’t hesitate to reach out! With Citation, you have access to a team of HR experts available 24/7. Whether you need assistance on a tricky holiday request or guidance on the latest holiday pay laws, we’re here for you.

Call us at 0345 844 1111 or fill out the form to request a callback. Let us help you navigate holiday leave stress-free.

Download our free guide and get holiday entitlement sorted

Simply fill in your details in the form above and get your free guide to holiday leave! Check out our blog posts for even more information on holiday leave, holiday pay, and bank holiday entitlements, including: