By PaySlipCheck Editorial
· Reviewed by PaySlipCheck Editorial Standards Team
· 14 June 2026
· 5 min read
Part-time workers in the UK are entitled to paid holiday pro-rata based on days worked per week — the same statutory formula that gives full-time colleagues 28 days a year gives a 3-day-a-week worker 16.8 days. Bank holidays are typically pro-rated too, to avoid indirect discrimination against workers whose non-working days rarely fall on Mondays. This guide covers the calculation formula, bank holiday treatment, mid-year starters + leavers, and how to handle irregular part-time schedules where hours vary week-to-week.
Verified against 2 official sources · Last reviewed 14 June 2026
Standard 8 UK bank holidays pro-rata:
- 5-day FT: 8 bank holidays
- 4-day PT: 6.4 (round to 6 or 7)
- 3-day PT: 4.8 (round to 5)
- 2-day PT: 3.2 (round to 3)
- 1-day PT: 1.6 (round to 2)
Employer approaches vary. Non-discrimination requirement means pro-rata treatment expected.
Worked example — 3-day-a-week
Full-time colleagues: 20 annual + 8 bank = 28 total
3-day PT: (20 × 0.6 = 12 annual) + (8 × 0.6 = 4.8 ≈ 5 bank) = 17 total
If bank holiday falls on non-working day, gets added to annual leave allowance instead.
Irregular part-time hours
Since April 2024:
- 12.07% accrual method: hours worked × 12.07% = holiday hours
- Rolled-up holiday pay: hourly rate + 12.07% uplift; worker takes unpaid holiday
Term-time only workers
Historic Harpur Trust v Brazel ruling: term-time workers get full 5.6 weeks based on average weekly pay across term (not pro-rated for weeks off).
2024 change: term-time + part-year workers now covered by 12.07% method going forward.
In short
Part-time holiday: days/week × 5.6 for regular schedules. Bank holidays pro-rata for fairness. Irregular schedules: 12.07% method since 2024.
Frequently asked questions
What if I work variable days each week?
Use 12.07% accrual method. Every hour worked accrues 12.07% as paid holiday.
Do I get bank holidays if I don't work Mondays?
Employer should credit pro-rata bank holiday days to your annual leave for fairness (non-discrimination).
How is holiday pay calculated for part-time?
Same as full-time: one week's normal pay per week of holiday. Or hourly average over 52 weeks.
What if I increase from 3 to 5 days a week mid-year?
Recalculate entitlement pro-rata for months at each pattern. Common approach: 3 days × 3 months + 5 days × 9 months prorated.
Am I entitled to holiday if I only work occasional days?
Yes — 12.07% of hours worked accrues as paid holiday. Or receive rolled-up 12.07% uplift instead.
UK monthly budget planner — A workable UK monthly budget planner: confirm your real net pay, list fixed essentials, list variable essentials, set a discretionary cap, set a savings target. Total must equal net pay. Use 50/30/20 as a starting guide, adapt for your housing situation.
More on related topics
Attachment of earnings — AEO = court order requiring employer to deduct debt from wages. Protected earnings threshold applies.
Auto-enrolment duties — Auto-enrolment = employer duty since 2012. 8% total minimum. Re-enrolment every 3 years.
Bank holidays — No statutory right to bank holiday off. Contract decides. 2026 UK has 8 bank holidays.
All tax figures on this page use the same configuration that powers our
calculators — see our
editorial standards for the review process.
Last reviewed: 14 June 2026.
Next review due 14 December 2026.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information based on published HMRC and gov.scot figures. It is not personal tax or financial advice. For your specific situation, please consult a qualified accountant or contact HMRC directly.