Annual leave policy template
Our Annual Leave Policy template simplifies time-off requests, ensures fair allocation, and fosters a well-rested workforce for better productivity.
- 3 pages / 779 words
- Instantly download as Word / PDF / plain text
- Suitable globally (check local legislation)
Save 1 hour drafting time, and reduce your risk.
Annual leave policy
1 Overview
1.1 The purpose of this policy is to set out the rules and procedures for taking Annual Leave.
2 Scope
2.1 This policy is applicable to all employees of [Company].
3 General principles
3.1 Your paid annual leave entitlement is set out in your [Contract of Employment | Statement of Terms and Conditions of Employment].
3.2 [[insert number] days of your annual holiday entitlement must be taken, e.g. during the off-peak summer months/at Christmas, when the Company operates a shutdown. The Company will give you notice of the exact dates you are required to take as annual leave as early as possible after the start of the holiday year and in any event at least one month in advance of the shutdown.]
3.3 No more than two weeks paid annual leave may be taken at any one time without the prior written agreement of your line manager.
In your first and last year of employment, your holiday entitlement will be that proportion of your annual holiday entitlement equivalent to the proportion of the holiday year in question during which you have been employed. This will be calculated to the nearest half day and assuming that holiday entitlement accrues at an even rate from day to day. During your first year of service, unless otherwise agreed in writing by your line manager, you will not normally be permitted to take more annual leave than you have actually accrued at the time the holiday is
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An annual leave policy is a set of guidelines and procedures that an employer has in place to manage employee annual leave entitlements. The policy outlines how employees should request and book time off, how much annual leave they are entitled to, and any rules or restrictions that apply to taking annual leave. It will provide a consistent and fair approach to managing annual leave entitlements across the organisation.
The annual leave policy may include details on how leave is calculated, how it is accrued, and how it affects an employee's pay and benefits. It may also include rules around how much notice an employee needs to give when requesting annual leave, and how many employees can take leave at the same time.
By having a clear policy in place, employers can manage staffing levels, plan for any necessary cover or arrangements during an employee's absence, and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Direction:
Compliance
Compliance
This Annual leave policy template incorporates relevant UK laws and HR standards, including those listed below:
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Employment Rights Act 1996: Provides the framework for annual leave entitlements, including minimum leave requirements.
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Working Time Regulations 1998: Sets out rules on working hours, rest breaks, and annual leave entitlements.
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Equality Act 2010: Ensures equal treatment and prohibits discrimination in annual leave allocation.
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Part-time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000: Ensures part-time workers receive pro-rata annual leave entitlements.
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Maternity and Parental Leave Regulations: Outlines annual leave rights during maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
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Shared Parental Leave and Pay Regulations: Governs annual leave during shared parental leave arrangements.
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Minimum Wage Regulations: Ensures employees receive proper pay during annual leave.
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Employment Contracts and Collective Agreements: Contracts may specify additional terms related to annual leave entitlements.
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Company Holiday Policy: Additional provisions specific to the company's annual leave practices.
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Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) Regulations: Addresses the relationship between annual leave and sick leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use this Annual leave policy template for small businesses?
Yes. The Annual leave policy template is designed to be flexible and suitable for organisations of all sizes, including small businesses and charities. It follows UK employment law best practice, so even if you don't have an in-house HR team, you can confidently apply it.
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Is this Annual leave policy template compliant with 2025 UK employment law?
Absolutely. All templates are drafted with the latest ACAS guidance and UK employment legislation in mind. We review and update them regularly, so you can be confident they remain compliant.
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Can I customise this Annual leave policy template for my organisation?
Yes, we highlight the areas that you need to update with your own details, and where you need to make decisions to suit your situation. This saves you time and ensures that you meet best practice.
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Do I get instant access to the Annual leave policy template?
Yes. Once purchased, you'll be able to download the Annual leave policy template instantly. Templates are provided in editable Word or Excel format so you can customise them easily, and in PDF format for easy sharing.
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What if I need a full HR toolkit, not just the Annual leave policy template?
If you're looking for broader support, we also offer toolkits and library bundles that include the Annual leave policy template along with other HR templates and policies for fully managing your situation. These may be more cost-effective if you need a complete HR library.
