Carry-over day

A carry-over day, also known as a rollover day, is a day of annual leave that an employee has not used in one leave year and is therefore transferred to the next leave year.
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Updated on Jun 4, 2024
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3 Key Takeaways

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  • Carry-over days are unused annual leave days transferred to the following leave year.
  • Employees may carry over a certain number of days, as per their employment contract or company policy.
  • Carry-over days can help employees manage their work-life balance and avoid losing their holiday entitlement.

What is a Carry-Over Day?

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A carry-over day is an unused day of annual leave that an employee carries over or rolls over from one leave year to the next. The specific rules and limitations regarding carry-over days vary depending on the employment contract, company policy, and applicable labor laws.

Importance of Carry-Over Days

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  • Employee Well-being: Carry-over days allow employees to take breaks when they need them, contributing to their overall well-being and work-life balance.
  • Flexibility: They provide flexibility for employees who may not be able to use all their annual leave within a single year due to work demands or personal circumstances.
  • Retention of Entitlement: Carry-over days ensure that employees do not lose their valuable holiday entitlement if they are unable to utilize it in the current year.

How Carry-Over Days Work

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The specific implementation of carry-over days depends on the company’s policy and relevant labor laws. In the UK, for example, employees have a statutory right to carry over a maximum of 4 weeks of unused statutory annual leave into the next leave year, provided they are unable to take it due to sickness or the employer’s refusal.

Beyond the statutory requirement, companies may have their own policies regarding the number of carry-over days allowed and any time limits for using them.

Examples of Carry-Over Days

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  • An employee is entitled to 25 days of annual leave but only takes 20 days in a year. They can carry over the remaining 5 days to the next leave year.
  • An employee falls ill towards the end of the leave year and is unable to use their remaining annual leave. They can carry over some or all of those days to the next year, subject to the company’s policy and legal requirements.

Real-World Application

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Carry-over days are a valuable benefit for employees, allowing them to manage their time off effectively and maintain a healthy work-life balance. For employers, implementing a clear and fair carry-over policy can contribute to employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention.

It’s important for both employers and employees to understand the rules and regulations regarding carry-over days to avoid any misunderstandings or disputes. Clear communication and transparent policies can ensure that this benefit is utilized effectively and contributes to a positive work environment.


Sources & references

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