Many employees are familiar with annual leave and sick leave, but fewer know about other types of paid leave of absence that may be available. Whether provided by law or company policy, paid leave of absence allows you to take time off work without losing pay, in specific circumstances.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common reasons you might be eligible for paid leave of absence in the UK.
1. Annual Leave
Annual leave is the most well-known form of paid leave. By law, full-time workers in the UK are entitled to 5.6 weeks of paid holiday per year (pro-rated for part-time staff). This allows time off for rest, holidays, and personal time, while continuing to receive your usual pay.
2. Sick Leave (Statutory Sick Pay)
If you’re too ill to work, you may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) or your employer’s enhanced sick pay scheme. Many employers offer occupational sick pay, which provides full or partial pay during periods of illness, often for a set number of weeks.
Check your employment contract or staff handbook for details about how much sick pay you’re entitled to and for how long.
3. Maternity Leave
Eligible employees can take up to 52 weeks of maternity leave, with up to 39 weeks paid under Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) or Maternity Allowance if they meet qualifying criteria.
Some employers offer enhanced maternity pay as part of their benefits package.
4. Paternity Leave
Fathers, partners, and adopters may be entitled to 1 or 2 weeks of paid paternity leave, paid at the statutory rate or a higher rate if provided by the employer.
This leave is available for supporting a partner after childbirth or adoption.
5. Shared Parental Leave
Eligible parents can share up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay following birth or adoption. Shared parental leave allows parents to take leave together or in turns, depending on what works best for their family.
6. Adoption Leave
Employees adopting a child may be entitled to up to 52 weeks of adoption leave, with 39 weeks of statutory adoption pay, similar to maternity leave.
7. Parental Bereavement Leave
Since April 2020, parents who lose a child under 18 or suffer a stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy are entitled to 2 weeks of paid parental bereavement leave, provided they meet qualifying criteria for statutory pay.
8. Jury Duty Leave
If you are summoned for jury service, your employer must allow you time off work. While they are not legally required to pay you during this time, some employers continue to pay normal wages. Otherwise, you can claim loss of earnings from the court.
Check your employer’s policy—if they offer paid leave for jury duty, it counts as a paid leave of absence.
9. Compassionate or Bereavement Leave
Many employers offer paid compassionate leave following the death of a close family member, though this is not a statutory requirement. Policies vary, but typically cover leave to attend a funeral or manage immediate family responsibilities.
10. Public Duties
If you hold a public role (such as magistrate, local councillor, or school governor), your employer must allow reasonable time off to perform these duties. Payment for this time is at the employer’s discretion—some offer paid leave, while others may consider it unpaid.
11. Time Off for Dependants (Emergency Leave)
Employees are entitled to reasonable unpaid time off to deal with emergencies involving dependants. Some employers choose to provide this leave with pay, even though it is not legally required.
12. Other Contractual Paid Leave
Some employers provide additional paid leave as part of their benefits package, such as:
- Paid volunteer days
- Paid study leave
- Special leave for moving house or personal matters
These benefits are discretionary and vary between organisations.
In summary
Paid leave of absence covers more than just holidays or sickness. Depending on your circumstances and employer’s policies, you may be entitled to paid time off for parental leave, bereavement, jury duty, and more.
Always check your employment contract, staff handbook, or HR department to understand what paid leave options are available to you.
At Offdays.co.uk, we help you navigate your time off—whether it’s for rest, family, or life’s unexpected moments. Explore more of our guides for advice on using your leave wisely.
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