UK employer planning

UK holiday pay cost calculator

Estimate the gross holiday pay reserve for hourly, casual or variable-hours staff in the UK.

Holiday pay is often budgeted as a proportion of annual hours for hourly or casual staff. The common 5.6 weeks over 46.4 working weeks works out at roughly 12.07%.

Estimated annual gross cost

£29,250.00

£3,150.00 holiday pay reserve

Working pay
£26,100.00
Holiday pay reserve
£3,150.00
Total annual gross cost
£29,250.00
Holiday loading
12.07%

This is a gross pay estimate only. It does not include employer National Insurance, pension contributions, payroll software, insurance or other overheads.

What this calculator helps with

Holiday pay is easy to overlook when you budget an hourly worker. This tool helps you see the extra gross pay reserve you need to set aside across the year.

Why the result matters

If a member of staff works fewer paid weeks than a full-year salaried employee, you still need to reserve money for the paid holiday weeks they are entitled to take.

Important limits

This is a gross pay planning estimate only. It does not include employer National Insurance, pension contributions, payroll admin, insurance or any sector-specific holiday rules.

For general holiday entitlement guidance, see GOV.UK's holiday entitlement rights page.