Holiday entitlement calculator for shift workers
Shift workers get the same 5.6 weeks of statutory holiday as everyone else, but it's easier to think about in shifts or hours. Work out yours here, including the 12.07% rule for irregular hours.
Holiday a year
22.4 shifts
224 hours, which is 5.6 weeks of your working pattern
The legal minimum for a full leave year. Bank holidays can be included in it. Your contract may give you more.
The rules
Almost all workers are entitled to 5.6 weeks of paid holiday a year, capped at 28 days. If you work a regular 4 shifts a week, that's 22.4 shifts. Employers can include bank holidays in it.
For irregular-hours and part-year workers, holiday builds up at 12.07% of hours worked in each pay period, for leave years starting on or after 1 April 2024. Employers can also pay it as rolled-up holiday pay on each payslip.
Common questions
How much holiday do I get on 4 on 4 off?
4 on 4 off averages 3.5 shifts a week, so 5.6 × 3.5 = 19.6 shifts a year. With 12-hour shifts that's 235.2 hours.
Do night workers get extra holiday?
Not by law. Some employers and sector agreements give extra days, so check your contract.
How is holiday worked out for zero-hours jobs?
At 12.07% of the hours you work each pay period. Work 100 hours and you've earned about 12 hours of paid holiday.