Can my employer make my holiday expire?

Employers can set rules on carrying holiday over, but they must give you a real opportunity to take your statutory entitlement and tell you if it will be lost. Check your contract, and take advice if days are refused.

Do untaken days have to be paid when I leave?

Accrued but untaken statutory holiday should be paid in your final pay when your employment ends.

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Claim your holiday entitlement

To ask for a statement of your holiday entitlement, or to ask for accrued but untaken holiday to be paid.

Your details

Full name Street and number

Postcode Town or city

Who are you writing to?

Name of the company or organisation Street and number

Postcode Town or city

Country

About your letter

Number of days (optional)If you know how many days you have left.Which period (optional)For example: accrued in the 2025 holiday year.Additional comments (optional)For example whether you want to take the days or have them paid.

Preview of your letter

This is exactly what goes on paper.

Full name

Name of the company or organisation

25 July 2026

Re: Request regarding holiday entitlement

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to ask you for an up-to-date statement of my accrued and untaken holiday entitlement.

Please reply in writing within fourteen days with a breakdown of the balance and confirmation of how it will be dealt with.

Yours faithfully,

Full name

Email address We send your confirmation here.Send by recorded deliveryWith proof of posting and proof of delivery.

What to look out for

Check your contract and your employer's holiday year, and whether unused days can be carried over.
When your employment ends, accrued but untaken statutory holiday must be paid in your final pay.
Always ask for a written breakdown, so that you can check the balance yourself.
Keep your own record of days taken; it is much easier to challenge a figure if you have your own log.

FAQ

Can my employer make my holiday expire?: Employers can set rules on carrying holiday over, but they must give you a real opportunity to take your statutory entitlement and tell you if it will be lost. Check your contract, and take advice if days are refused.
Do untaken days have to be paid when I leave?: Accrued but untaken statutory holiday should be paid in your final pay when your employment ends.

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