NHSL Annual Leave

Leave Essentials

Leave Calculator

Calculate your exact annual leave and public holiday entitlement in hours.

Annual Leave Policy

Read the full NHS Scotland Annual Leave Policy for Agenda for Change staff.

Reckonable Service Guidance

Understand how previous employment outside the NHS can be recognised toward your annual leave entitlement.

Public Holidays

Local Holidays

The 5 designated local public holidays.

  • Good Friday Friday, 3 April 2026
  • Easter Monday Monday, 6 April 2026
  • Spring Bank Holiday Monday, 25 May 2026
  • World Cup Bank Holiday Extra Monday, 15 June 2026
  • September Weekend Friday, 28 August 2026

General Holidays

The 4 general public holidays.

  • Christmas Day Friday, 25 December 2026
  • Boxing Day Monday, 28 December 2026
  • New Year’s Day Friday, 1 January 2027
  • 2nd January Bank Holiday Monday, 4 January 2027

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I am sick during my annual leave?

If you fall sick whilst on annual leave and comply with the Sickness Notification Procedures, the period will be treated as sick leave, allowing you to take your annual leave at another agreed time.

How is my part-time annual leave calculated?

Your annual leave is calculated pro-rata based on your contracted hours, rounded up or down to the nearest half hour. Please use the Leave Calculator tool to find your exact entitlement.

Can I carry over my annual leave to next year?

In certain circumstances, up to one working week of basic contracted hours may be carried over to the following year, subject to agreement from your Line Manager.