Calculator / Holiday Pay
Holiday Pay Calculator UK 2026
Holiday pay is not just your basic salary. It must include regular overtime, commission, and certain allowances. Use this calculator to check what you should be receiving.
Updated 11 April 2026
Holiday Pay Calculator
Enter your average weekly earnings (52-week reference period) to calculate what your holiday pay should be.
Regular voluntary or compulsory overtime (average over 52 weeks)
Shift premiums, travel allowances, etc.
Your holiday pay
First 4 weeks (full rate including overtime/commission)
£2,200 (550/week)
Additional 1.6 weeks (basic pay only)
£800 (500/week)
Total statutory holiday pay (5.6 weeks)
£3,000
What Must Be Included in Holiday Pay
UK law splits the 5.6 weeks of statutory holiday into two tiers with different pay rules:
| Component | First 4 weeks | Extra 1.6 weeks |
|---|---|---|
| Basic pay | Yes | Yes |
| Regular overtime | Yes | No |
| Commission | Yes | No |
| Shift premiums | Yes | No |
| Regular allowances | Yes | No |
| Expenses reimbursement | No | No |
| Discretionary bonuses | No | No |
The 52-Week Reference Period
To calculate the "normal" rate of pay for holiday, employers must average your earnings over the previous 52 paid weeks. Weeks where you received no pay (e.g. unpaid leave, lay-off) are excluded, and the reference period extends backwards to include 52 weeks where pay was actually received.
This means seasonal fluctuations, variable overtime, and inconsistent commission are all smoothed out to give a fair average. If you worked significant overtime in one quarter but not the next, the 52-week average captures the overall pattern.
Overtime and Holiday Pay
Both compulsory and regular voluntary overtime must be included in holiday pay for the first 4 weeks of entitlement. The key word is "regular". If overtime is worked consistently (even if technically voluntary), it forms part of your normal remuneration and must be included.
Key case law: Bear Scotland v Fulton [2015] established that non-guaranteed overtime must be included. Dudley MBC v Willetts [2017] extended this to voluntary overtime that is regular and settled.
Am I Being Underpaid?
Check each of these. If any apply to you, you may have a claim for underpaid holiday pay:
- ☐Your holiday pay does not include regular overtime you consistently work
- ☐Commission or results-based bonuses are excluded from holiday pay
- ☐Shift premiums or unsocial hours payments are not included
- ☐Your employer only pays basic salary during holidays, even though you regularly earn more
- ☐You are on a zero-hours contract and your employer has not paid any holiday at all
- ☐Rolled-up holiday pay is not shown separately on your payslip
If you believe you are being underpaid, see our guide to your rights for steps to resolve it.
April 2026 Record-Keeping
From 6 April 2026, employers must keep records of holiday pay calculations for a minimum of 6 years. This includes the reference period used, components included, and the resulting holiday pay rate. This makes it easier for workers to challenge underpayment and for employers to demonstrate compliance.