UK Working Time Regulations & Pay Calculators 2026

Understanding UK Working Time Regulations & Pay

The UK has a highly structured set of employment laws governed by the Working Time Regulations 1998 and enforced by HMRC. Whether you are tracking daily shifts, planning for a new baby, or handing in your notice, understanding your statutory rights is essential.

1. Statutory Annual Leave & Accrual

Almost all workers in the UK are legally entitled to 5.6 weeks’ paid holiday a year. If you work a regular schedule, you can use our Standard Holiday Calculator to find your yearly total.

However, life is rarely that simple. If you are starting a new job mid-year or planning to leave your current role, your HR department will do a "pro-rata" calculation. You can use the Holiday Accrual Calculator to find out exactly how many days you have built up, ensuring you receive the correct "payment in lieu" in your final payslip.

Work irregular hours? If you are on a zero-hours contract, the traditional 28-day rule does not apply. Instead, you accrue holiday based on the hours you actually work. Use our 12.07% Rule Calculator to find out your accrued time or rolled-up holiday pay.

2. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

If you fall ill and cannot work, you may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay. The standard UK rate is £116.75 per week for up to 28 weeks. However, the biggest shock for many employees is the "3 Waiting Days" rule—you do not get paid for the first three qualifying days of your illness. You can use our Sick Pay Calculator to see exactly how these deductions affect your paycheck.

3. Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)

Planning for a family involves careful financial forecasting. In the UK, eligible mothers can take up to 52 weeks of Statutory Maternity Leave, but only 39 of those weeks are paid. The payment structure changes drastically after the first 6 weeks. To estimate your exact income curve and discover your crucial notice deadlines, use our Maternity Pay & Leave Planner.

4. National Minimum Wage (NMW)

Your legal minimum pay per hour depends strictly on your age and whether you are an apprentice. These rates change every April. Use our Minimum Wage Checker to verify your employer is compliant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum working hours per week in the UK?

Under the Working Time Regulations, you cannot be forced to work more than 48 hours a week on average over a 17-week period, unless you have explicitly signed an 'opt-out' agreement.

How is holiday pay calculated for zero-hours workers?

For leave years starting on or after 1 April 2024, holiday entitlement for zero-hours and irregular hours workers is calculated at 12.07% of the actual hours worked in a pay period.

Do I get paid for the first 3 days of being sick in the UK?

No. The first 3 qualifying days of a sickness absence are called 'waiting days'. You do not receive Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for these days unless you have been off sick and receiving SSP within the last 8 weeks.

How long is Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) paid for?

SMP is paid for up to 39 weeks. The first 6 weeks are paid at 90% of your average weekly earnings. The remaining 33 weeks are paid at a flat statutory rate (£184.03) or 90% of your earnings, whichever is lower.

How do I calculate holiday pay if I leave my job?

When you leave a job, your employer must calculate your pro-rata holiday entitlement based on the exact days you worked during the leave year, and pay you for any accrued days you haven't taken.