In many workplaces, employees are expected to request annual leave before booking time away. If the employment contract or holiday policy sets a notice rule, employees should follow that process.
Where there is no different contractual arrangement, UK rules provide a default notice framework. A worker should normally give at least twice as much notice as the amount of leave they want to take, plus 1 day.
If an employee wants 5 days of holiday, the default rule means they should normally give at least 11 calendar days' notice.
What is the default holiday notice rule?
GOV.UK states that the general rule is for workers to give notice that is at least twice the length of the requested holiday, plus one day.
Employers can set a different arrangement in the employment contract or another agreement, so the company's own policy should always be checked.
Examples of holiday notice periods
| Holiday requested | Default notice |
|---|---|
| 1 day | 3 calendar days |
| 3 days | 7 calendar days |
| 5 days | 11 calendar days |
| 10 days | 21 calendar days |
Can a company set its own notice period?
Yes. Employers can set different notice requirements in contracts, holiday policies or workplace agreements. A business might, for example, ask for more notice during busy periods or for longer blocks of leave.
The important thing is that rules are communicated clearly and applied consistently.
Can an employer refuse a request?
Yes. An employer can refuse particular holiday dates, but they must still allow workers to take the statutory leave they are entitled to. Acas says employers should manage holiday openly, fairly and consistently.
When refusing or cancelling holiday, the employer must normally give at least the same amount of notice as the leave being refused or cancelled.
What about busy periods?
Employers can place restrictions around when holiday can be taken, provided these are communicated and the worker still has a reasonable opportunity to take their statutory leave during the leave year.
A clear policy can explain restricted periods, minimum staffing needs and how competing requests will be handled.
Practical holiday request rules
- Explain how employees should submit requests.
- Set a normal notice period.
- Explain whether longer leave needs more notice.
- State how overlapping requests will be handled.
- Tell employees not to assume leave is approved until confirmed.
- Keep a record of requests and decisions.
An online holiday request system can help keep the request date, approval status and decision together.
Official sources
This guide provides general information for UK employers and teams. It is not legal advice. Employment circumstances can differ, so check current official guidance or obtain professional advice where needed.