Leave HackerGuidesPlan my yearHow much notice do I need to give for annual leave?
Twice the leave you want
Unless your contract sets its own rules, you have to give notice of at least twice as long as the leave you want. gov.uk's guidance adds a day to be safe: 3 days' notice for 1 day off, 21 days for 10. Your employer can refuse with notice of at least the length of the leave, plus a day.
Notice, at a glance
| Leave you want | You ask at least | They can refuse up to |
|---|---|---|
| 1 day | 3 days before | 2 days before |
| 2 days | 5 days before | 3 days before |
| 3 days | 7 days before | 4 days before |
| 5 days | 11 days before | 6 days before |
| 10 days | 21 days before | 11 days before |
Counted in calendar days before the first day of leave, using gov.uk's figures (twice the leave plus a day; the leave plus a day). The regulations themselves say twice and once the length of the leave, and Acas and nidirect put it that way.
Easter 2027: book 4 days, get 10 off
To book Mon 22 to Thu 25 Mar, you'd have to ask by Saturday 13 March 2027 at the latest, and your employer could say no up to Wednesday 17 March 2027.
Your contract comes first
If your contract or a workplace agreement sets different notice, such as “a month's notice for a week or more”, that applies instead, whether it's longer or shorter. Some employers also set deadlines for busy times like Christmas. Check your handbook or HR system.
Make the notice work for you
- Ask in writing (email or your HR system), so the date you asked is on record.
- Ask early for the popular weeks. Your employer can refuse a time when too many people are off, so being first matters more than the legal minimum.
- Don't book travel until it's approved. Approved leave can still be cancelled with notice. Can my employer cancel it?
Sources
- gov.uk: Booking time off
- Acas: Asking for and taking holiday
- nidirect: Taking your holidays (Northern Ireland)
Checked on 26 October 2026. This is general information about the legal minimum in the UK, not legal advice: your contract can give you more, and can set its own rules for notice and carrying over. For help with your own situation, call the Acas helpline on 0300 123 1100 (England, Scotland and Wales) or the Labour Relations Agency on 03300 555 300 (Northern Ireland).
More questions
How much notice do I need to give for a week off?
For five days of leave, at least 10 days (11 by gov.uk's guidance), unless your contract says otherwise. nidirect puts it as two weeks' notice for a week's holiday.
How much notice for one day of annual leave?
At least 2 days by the regulations, or 3 by gov.uk's guidance, unless your contract says otherwise.
Is it the same in Northern Ireland?
Yes: nidirect says at least twice the holiday you want, for example two weeks' notice for one week.