TOIL (Time Off In Lieu)

In the United Kingdom, TOIL (Time Off In Lieu) refers to a contractual entitlement granted to employees, typically those working on a shift basis, such as night shifts or weekends. It allows them to take time off from work at a later date, usually within a specified timeframe, in lieu of taking annual leave or bank holidays.

The purpose of TOIL is to provide employees with the opportunity to recover from periods of overtime worked, often during evenings, nights, or weekends, without having to use their statutory holiday entitlement. This can be particularly beneficial for staff who work irregular hours, such as those in healthcare, retail, or hospitality sectors.

TOIL is usually accrued at a rate equivalent to the number of hours worked on shift, and employees are entitled to take this time off within a certain period, often 12-18 months from the date it was earned. The exact terms and conditions surrounding TOIL can vary depending on the employer, collective bargaining agreements, or individual employment contracts.

It’s worth noting that TOIL is not the same as annual leave or bank holidays, which are statutory entitlements granted to all employees in the UK under the Working Time Regulations 1998. TOIL is a contractual benefit provided by employers to their staff, and its terms can be negotiated as part of the employment contract.

In some cases, TOIL may also be referred to as “time off bank” or “TOB,” but the core concept remains the same – providing employees with a way to recover from periods of overtime worked without using their statutory holiday entitlement.

AceRota’s automated system allows staff to request time off, including TOIL, which is then approved or declined by managers. This streamlines the process and ensures that employees are aware of their available TOIL hours, reducing administrative burdens and potential disputes over entitlements.