Working on a zero hour contract can be a tricky situation when it comes to calculating holiday entitlement. Unlike employees on a fixed-hour contract, those on a zero hour contract do not have a set number of hours to work each week. Therefore, it can be challenging to determine how many hours an employee is entitled to for holiday pay.

Here are some tips on how to work out holiday entitlement on a zero hour contract:

1. Check your contract

The first step is to understand the terms of your contract. Some zero hour contracts include holiday pay as part of your hourly rate, while others may not. Check your contract to see if there are any provisions for holiday pay.

2. Calculate your hours worked

Calculate the total number of hours you have worked in the previous 12 weeks. This includes any time taken off for illness, holidays, or any other reasons. This will give you an average number of hours worked per week.

3. Determine your holiday entitlement

Once you have your average hours per week, you can use this to determine your holiday entitlement. According to UK law, full-time employees are entitled to 5.6 weeks of paid holiday per year. This equates to 28 days for someone working a five-day week. For zero hour contracts, holiday entitlement is calculated as a percentage of the hours worked.

To calculate the percentage, divide the number of hours worked by 52 (the number of weeks in a year) and multiply by 5.6 (the number of weeks of holiday entitlement). For example, if you have worked an average of 20 hours a week over the past 12 weeks, your holiday entitlement would be:

(20 ÷ 52) x 5.6 = 2.15 days of holiday entitlement.

This means you are entitled to 2.15 days of paid holiday for every 12 weeks worked.

4. Keep track of your hours

It is essential to keep track of the hours you work to ensure that you are receiving the correct holiday entitlement. Make sure you record your hours accurately, and keep a record of any time taken off for holidays, sick leave, or other reasons.

5. Speak to your employer

If you are unsure about your holiday entitlement, or you believe you are not receiving the correct amount of holiday pay, speak to your employer. Your employer should be able to provide you with the information you need and ensure you are receiving the correct amount of holiday pay.

In conclusion, working out holiday entitlement on a zero hour contract can be challenging, but it is important to ensure that you are receiving the correct amount of holiday pay. By following these tips and keeping accurate records of your hours worked, you can ensure that you are receiving the correct amount of paid holiday.