How much holiday should I give my staff?

Full-time employees are currently entitled to 28 days paid annual holiday by law. You may give more than the statutory 28 days, but no less, as long as it written into their contract.

If an employee works less than full-time, the entitlement should be pro rata. It is advisable to calculate part time holiday entitlement in hours rather than days. 

Both the employee and the employer should give notice as to when holiday should, or should not, be taken. As an employer you can specify periods that your staff have off – for example a shutdown over Christmas and New Year.

If an employee leaves they have the right to be paid for any accrued holiday that has not been taken.

Are bank holidays included in holiday entitlement?

You do not have to give your employees bank holidays off as paid leave and have the option to include bank holidays as part of the 28 days leave. If you choose to offer bank holidays in addition to the statutory minimum, this should be stated in the contract of employment.