How should holiday pay be calculated when working variable hours?
If you work casually or irregular hours it may well be easiest to calculate the holiday entitlement that accrues (accumulates) as hours are worked. The holiday entitlement of 5.6 weeks is equivalent to 12.07 per cent of the hours you worked. The 12.07 per cent figure is: 5.6 weeks’ holiday, divided by 46.4 weeks (being 52 weeks – 5.6 weeks) multiplied by 100 = 12.07 per cent The 5.6 weeks have to be excluded from the calculation as you would not be present during the 5.6 weeks in order to accrue annual leave. For example, if you had worked 10 hours, you would be entitled to 72.6 minutes’ paid holiday: 12.07 per cent x 10 hours = 1.21 hours = 72.6 minutes The holiday entitlement is just over seven minutes for each hour worked. As others have said, it does depend how your contract is worded, if these hours will count towards your holiday entitlement. There is no reason why you shouldn’t ask them. Best wishes.
