Quadlux ( COUNTRY )country guide
Introduction to (COUNTRY)
Key Employment Guidelines
Probation Periods
Standard probationary periods last three months, with a maximum of six months. Employees may have limited benefits during this time.
Working Hours
The Working Time Regulations cap average weekly working hours at 48, calculated over 17 weeks, unless the employee consents to opt-out. Standard workweeks are typically 37.5 hours.
Annual Leave
Employees are entitled to 5.6 weeks of paid leave annually, including public holidays. Employers often offer more generous packages.
Overtime and Pay
Overtime policies must be included in contracts. Pay is commonly 1.5x the normal rate for weekdays and 2x for weekends and public holidays.
Termination and Notice Periods
Notice periods depend on employment length, with a minimum of one week after one month of service. Employees gain unfair dismissal protection after two years.
Fixed-Term Contracts
Employees on fixed-term contracts for over four years gain permanent status unless an employer justifies otherwise.
Social Security Contributions
Employers and employees contribute to National Insurance. Employers also manage income tax payments via the PAYE system.
Pensions
Auto-enrollment into workplace pensions is mandatory for eligible workers, with minimum employer contributions of 3%.
Parental and Sick Leave
- Maternity Leave: Up to 52 weeks; pay varies between statutory minimum and enhanced rates offered by some employers.
- Paternity Leave: One or two weeks at statutory rates.
- Shared Parental Leave: Flexible leave shared between parents during the first year after birth or adoption.
- Sick Leave: Employees qualify for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) after four consecutive sick days.
Restrictive Covenants
Post-termination clauses (e.g., non-compete, non-solicitation) are enforceable if reasonable and necessary to protect business interests.
Public Holidays Recognized by United Kingdom in 2025
| Occasion | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Wednesday, January 1 |
| Good Friday | Friday, April 18 |
| Easter Monday | Monday, April 21 (not observed in Scotland) |
| Early May Bank Holiday | Monday, May 5 |
| Spring Bank Holiday | Monday, May 26 |
| Summer Bank Holiday | Monday, August 25 (not observed in Scotland) |
| Christmas Day | Thursday, December 25 |
| Boxing Day | Friday, December 26 |