What examples of absences authorised by contract of employment are there and what is the entitlement to pay?

Many contracts of employment contain express terms specifying permitted absences.

Examples could include:

• holidays, including bank holidays
• sickness absence
• medical appointments
• compassionate leave
• maternity/paternity/adoption leave
• time off for care of dependants (i.e. where care arrangements fall through unexpectedly)
• temporary lay-off

In some cases, e.g. for holidays, antenatal appointments, sickness absence and temporary lay-off, there is a statutory entitlement to pay. In other cases, it will depend on what it says in the contract. Details will be in your contract, or in the written statement of particulars which sets out your terms and conditions of employment. Your employer must provide you with this written statement within 8 weeks of starting work.