Holiday Pay

Paid annual leave is a legal right under the Working Time Regulations 1998. Most workers get at least 5.6 weeks’ paid holiday, often including bank holidays. Holiday pay should reflect your normal earnings, not just basic salary. That includes regular overtime, commission, and bonuses. Holiday pay should be fair and accurate from day one. Employers cannot underpay or unreasonably refuse properly requested leave. If this is the case for you, we can help.

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For individuals

Holiday Pay

Reviewing contracts, policies, and payslips

Looking for underpayment? We’ll check your contract, payslips, and holiday policy to uncover issues with accrual, pay rates, or leave that’s gone unpaid.

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Calculating statutory and contractual holiday pay

From irregular hours to performance-related bonuses, we calculate if payments reflect normal remuneration and comply with current case law.

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Drafting grievance letters

We prepare clear, timely grievance letters to prompt early resolution, protect limitation dates. We can then create a strong evidential record for negotiations or any future Employment Tribunal claim.

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Negotiation and Early Conciliation

We aim to resolve claims quickly and fairly. That might mean negotiating settlements directly or handling ACAS Early Conciliation to secure a back-pay settlement without litigation where possible.

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Employment Tribunal Claim representation

If needed, we can provide expert support to bring claims for unlawful deduction of wages or breach of contract. Working Time Regulations breaches, managing evidence, advocacy, and remedies.

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Holiday during sickness or family leave

Entitlement doesn’t stop when you’re off work. We advise on carry-over rights, pay rates, and how to take holiday during sick leave, maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental leave.

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Questions we’re often asked

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How much paid holiday am I entitled to?

You’re entitled to at least 5.6 weeks a year. If you work part-time, it’s pro-rated.

What should be included in holiday pay?

It should include more than just your basic wage, regular overtime, bonuses, commission, and some allowances should also be factored in.

Does leave build up when I’m off sick or on maternity leave?

Yes. Statutory holiday accrues during both sickness absence and statutory family leave.

Can my employer say no to my holiday request?

Only with proper notice and a valid business reason. They can’t refuse to be difficult or retaliate.

What if I think I’ve been underpaid for holiday?

You should raise a grievance and get legal advice straight away. You might be able to claim for unlawful deductions.

What happens to unused holiday on termination?

Any unused holiday must be paid in lieu, and the pay rate must reflect what you normally earn.

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Georgia was incredibly helpful throughout the process of reaching a settlement with a previous employer. Georgia took the time to understand my personal situation and provided clear, considerate, and professional guidance at every stage. Her support made a complex process much easier to navigate, and I felt reassured knowing I was in capable hands.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Chris is a great listener, clear communicator and, in my opinion, a genuinely good, kind human being. I have no hesitation in recommending Blacks in Leeds for any legal matters you may have; you'll be in good hands.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

I have dealt with Chris Allen recently concerning some rather upsetting and extremely delicate matters. Chris and the team have proved to be reassuring, down to earth and absolute consummate professionals.

Employment Client

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Blacks helped us think beyond the sessions by supporting us to consider how the legislative changes translate into day to day behaviours and what this means for our culture in anticipation for our policy to be launched. This has supported follow on training delivery internally surrounding misogyny, misogynoir and trans-misogyny.

Employment Training Client

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We had an excellent experience working with Blacks. From the moment we reached out to request training, they responded quickly and took the time to meet with us early on to understand our needs and the wider organisational context. They were patient and flexible as we worked through our planning.

Employment Training Client

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Ellie was absolutely amazing through the whole process. She made me feel at ease and was very efficient at replying to my emails and queries. I would also like to say a thank you to Jemma who was the first one I engaged with and made me feel comfortable and less anxious.

Employment Client

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I worked with Tom during a very stressful and time-sensitive settlement, and I’m genuinely so grateful for his support. From the start, he was calm, practical and incredibly thorough, which made a huge difference at a point when everything felt overwhelming.

Employment Client

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The service was 11 out of 10! Ellie kept me on the straight and narrow. She navigated the legal side and the emotional side incredibly well. She advised me brilliantly and I couldn’t be happier with that

Employment Client

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Euan Lawrence helped me with a HR issue with a former employee, and I was extremely impressed by his professionalism and the clarity of his advice in translating complex legal ease for the less legally minded individuals such as myself – I would fully recommend.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Outstanding service from start to finish. The team’s work rate, speed of response, and legal knowledge were second to none. They consistently went above and beyond to get things done efficiently and with care. Special thanks to Richard P and Pete K for their exceptional support – true professionals!

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Experts in every area

Managing Partner

Ellie Broadhurst

Associate Solicitor

Jemma Fieldsend

Georgia Jeonney

Partner and Head of Employment

Graduate Solicitor Apprentice

Partner and Head of Employment

Marcus Pickersgill

Anna Schiavetta

Senior Associate Solicitor

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