Authorised Leave

What is Authorised Leave?

Authorised leave is a term generally used to describe absence from work to which an employee is entitled either by legislation or by company policy. Failure to comply with the legislation can lead to costly claims against you.

What leave must I give employees by law?

Annual Leave

You must give employees at least 5.6 weeks paid holiday each year. This can include Bank/public Holidays. You cannot give pay instead except if they leave your employment.

Time off for Dependants

You must allow employees reasonable time off to cater for emergencies involving someone dependent on them. You do not have to pay them for the time taken off.

Maternity leave

All pregnant employees are entitled to up to 52 weeks maternity leave, regardless of when they started working for you.

Antenatal care

An employee attending an antenatal appointment on medical advice is entitled to paid time off for this.

Paternity leave

An employee is entitled to up to two weeks leave following the birth of a child.

Adoption leave

An adoptive parent with at least 26 weeks service is entitled to up to 1 year's adoption leave.

Parental leave

An employee with at least 1 year’s service is entitled to 13 weeks unpaid leave to spend time with a child.

Jury Service

An employee summoned for jury service must be allowed time off to attend. You do not have to pay for the time off. Dismissal them for attending jury service is automatically unfair.

Military Reservists

Reservists who are called up are entitled to return to their job on their return. Your refusal can lead to a reinstatement order, a court fine and/or an award for damages against you.

The above are examples of employee entitlements under law, which are varied and complex. Get it right and seek advice from MHL Support Ltd.

The above is intended to provide information of general interest about employment law but does not give legal advice.

Request a PDF of this guide