Across the UK, workers are entitled to different leave for different reasons.

The Working Time Regulations 1998 lay down the minimum conditions relating to weekly working time, rest entitlements and annual leave in Great Britain. Broadly similar regulations set these rules out in Northern Ireland. Employees can opt in and out of the provisions relating to the minimum 48-hour working week.

Other types of leave are granted by separate rights such as leave for public duties, jury service, trade union activities or military training and service. Leave rights also exist in relation to matters such as maternity, paternity and adoption.

This factsheet outlines employees' basic rights and protections relating to working time and other types of leave. 

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