Leave request
A leave request, also known as an annual leave request or holiday request, refers to a formal application made by an employee to their employer for time off from work. This can include requests for paid annual leave, unpaid leave, sick leave, maternity leave, paternity leave, bereavement leave, or other types of leave.
In the UK, a complete definition of a leave request would typically involve the following details:
- The dates of the requested leave period
- The type of leave being requested (e.g. annual leave, sick leave, etc.)
- The reason for the leave request (if applicable)
- Any supporting documentation or evidence required (e.g. medical certificates for sick leave)
- An indication of whether the employee will be available by email or phone while on leave
- A confirmation that the employee has made arrangements to ensure their work is covered during their absence
Leave requests are typically submitted in writing, either electronically or on paper, and may require approval from a manager or HR representative before being confirmed. The process for submitting and approving leave requests can vary depending on the employer’s policies and procedures.
In terms of employment law, employees in the UK have various rights to time off under the Working Time Regulations 1998 (WTR), including:
- A minimum of 28 days’ paid annual leave per year
- Statutory sick pay for periods of sickness absence
- Maternity leave and pay for eligible employees
- Paternity leave and pay for eligible employees
- Bereavement leave, although this is not a statutory right
Employers are required to consider requests for time off in accordance with these regulations and their own company policies.
AceRota’s leave management feature allows employees to submit leave requests electronically, which are then automatically routed to their line manager for approval. This streamlines the process and reduces administrative workload, as managers receive notifications and can approve or reject requests directly through the app.
