How is holiday calculated for shift workers?

Shift workers' holiday is calculated using their average hours over a 52-week reference period. For every week averaged, they accrue 5.6 weeks of holiday entitlement. Holiday pay is based on average weekly earnings including regular overtime and shift premiums.

Do shift premiums count towards holiday pay?

Yes, regular shift premiums and overtime should be included in the average pay calculation for holiday pay. The calculation looks at the previous 52 paid weeks to determine a representative week's pay.

How many hours of holiday do shift workers get?

Shift workers are entitled to 5.6 weeks of holiday per year. The number of hours depends on their average weekly hours. For example, if you average 40 hours per week, you get 5.6 × 40 = 224 hours of holiday per year.

What if my shift pattern varies each week?

For variable shift patterns, your employer should calculate an average over the previous 52 paid weeks. Weeks with no work are excluded from the calculation. This gives a fair representation of your typical working hours.

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