The answer is yes, you are entitled to receive payment on the days that you take holidays, providing it’s being accrued.

Holiday entitlement is usually 28 days for a complete year including bank holidays or accrued on a pro rata basis if you work part-time. As an agency worker your hours and rates of pay may vary over time. If this happens, usually your earnings over the most recent 12 week period are divided by the hours worked over the same 12 weeks to give you an average hourly rate which determines your holiday pay.

Did you know? Since October 2011 agency workers have been entitled to the same holidays as if they were recruited directly by the companies they work for once they’ve completed a 12 week qualifying period according to the Agency Workers Regulations. So you should be paid – and accrue any additional holidays and other benefits – as those employed directly by the organisation.

How do I cover my holidays?

Common sense should apply here. Your employer should let you know if there are any times when it would be inconvenient for you to take holidays and how much notice they would need. You should also let your agency know when you intend to take holidays. They will most likely ask you to complete a holiday form so that they can calculate your holiday pay.

If your employer needs another agency worker to cover your holidays, either you or your employer should let them know so that they can arrange this.

Many agency workers like to use the flexibility of temporary work to enjoy a variety of jobs. This flexibility also allows for a good work/life balance but if there are times when you’re not available for work, make sure your agency knows this so that they don’t offer you jobs.

If there’s anything you’re not sure about, just ask your agency co-ordinator.