Paid annual leave and public holidays in the United Kingdom (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: The statutory minimum is 5.6 weeks of paid leave a year, which is at least 28 days for most workers on a 5-day week. Employers may count bank holidays as part of that leave but do not have to.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum paid leave a year (weeks)Full-time employee; Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) | 5.6 weeks [1] |
| Minimum paid leave as the law states itFull-time employee; Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) | 5.6 weeks of paid leave a year. Most workers on a 5-day week must receive at least 28 days. [1] |
| National public holidays a yearFull-time employee; England and Wales | 8 days [2] |
| National public holidays a yearFull-time employee; Scotland | 10 days [2] |
| National public holidays a yearFull-time employee; Northern Ireland | 10 days [2] |
| Public holidays and annual leaveFull-time employee; Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) | Employer may count them as leave [1] |
Notes
- GOV.UK gives the figure as 28 days for most workers on a 5-day week.
- The statutory entitlement is capped at 28 days in total.
- Counted from the official 2026 list, which includes the substitute day for Boxing Day. The number changes from year to year.
- Counted from the official 2026 list for this nation, including any substitute days. The number changes from year to year.
- Bank and public holidays do not have to be given as paid leave.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Holiday entitlement: Entitlement (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- GOV.UK: UK bank holidays (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.