Time off and holidays

Employees are entitled to a minimum of 28 days’ paid holiday, including bank holidays, although some employers may offer more. These matters must be covered in your written statement of the terms and conditions of your employment and in your contract. In addition, other types of leave may also be available 

There are many other types of leave that your employer may or may not make available to you, as listed below. Generally, you will need to check your contract of employment to see whether you are entitled to these types of leave, although some are statutory.

Study leave

Paid leave to an employee who is required to attend outside seminars or similar events, and/or to prepare for examinations in studies that would assist their work capabilities.

Compassionate leave

Paid leave for a short period to enable an employee to attend the funeral and carry out related tasks when a close relative or prescribed family member dies. 

Family leave

Family leave consists of maternity, paternity and parental leave. Parents of both sexes have entitlement to various periods of paid and unpaid leave.

Social responsibility

Many employers allow time off for employees who are in organisations like the special constabulary or the Territorial Army. however, your employer doesn’t have to grant this time. Territorial Army members have special employment protection if they are called up.

Special leave

A miscellaneous category that may apply to leave for such matters as an employee moving to a new work location.

Leave without pay

A period free from work granted to an employee who wishes to pursue personal matters and yet does not wish to terminate their contract of employment.

Leave in lieu of payment

Paid leave taken in lieu of receiving money otherwise due to the employee (usually accrued as overtime).

Personal/carer’s leave

Paid leave to care for a sick child or relative living with the employee. In some circumstances, the employee has a right to unpaid leave in order to care for dependants in an emergency. 

This article is based on advice given in ‘BVA new graduate guide’, a handbook provided to final-year students and graduates up to eight years’ qualified on joining the BVA, as well as advice on the Government’s website www.direct.gov.uk, where more information can be found.