Navigating Fokearn Annual Leave 2026

As we step into the new year, we would like to take a moment to outline our annual leave policy for 2026. This policy aims to provide a clear understanding of how annual leave will be accrued, requested, and approved.

#1 - Accruing Annual Leave

Each employee is entitled to 21 days annual leave as per their contract of employment, Annual leave is accrued through hours worked within the year and can be calculated using a number of different methods.

Method 1

If you have worked at least 1,365 hours in a leave year, you are entitled to the maximum of 21 working days' paid annual leave.

(You cannot use this method if you changed employment during the leave year.)

Method 2

Calculate 1.75 days for each calendar month in which you worked.

Method 3

Calculate 8% of the hours you worked in the leave year, subject to a maximum of 21 working days.

#2 - Requesting Annual Leave

There is only one way in which Annual Leave can be requested, Employees must submit their Annual Leave Request through this portal Menu>Holiday Request>Submit form

Timelines for requesting annual leave are as follows

1. 1 Week notice for 1 to 3 days

2. 1 Month notice for 3 days+

Requests with less notice than the above will not be considered for Annual Leave approval and requests within these timelines does not automatically mean that Annual Leave will be approved.

Requests to management over the phone, text, in person will not count as approval

All annual leave must be approved in writing by HR - Emma Kearney

#3 - Approval

Annual leave approval will be at the discretion of your line manager and will take into account.

1. Other annual leave booked for your requested dates

2. Duration of the leave

3. Notice given

4. Accrued Annual leave

5. Your remaining annual leave for the year

6. Dates requested (for 2026 annual leave is fully booked for december and no futher Annual leave will be approved)

#4 - Using your annual leave

It is important that employees use their annual leave throught the year, we have seen a growing number of employees not using their annual leave by the end of the year. The result of this is Fokearn paying out the annual leave on the last week of the year and they employee paying tax on the full amount at the higher rate.

To combat this, we request all employees to use at least half of their Annual leave by June 30th and the Remaining amount by December 1st. Employees carrying excessive annual leave through the year will be asked to annual leave and failing this will be instructed to take annual leave on dates decided by the company with at least 1 months notice.

#5 - Christmas period

Over the festive season there are a number of days which Fokearn generally closes. There is no obligation too, but we feel it is good practice for employees to keep some annual leave for these days. Employees who do not enter the Christmas period with enough Annual Leave will be required to work the days between public/bank holidays.

No un-paid leave will be approved for 2026

Conclusion

Our annual leave policy for 2026 aims to provide a clear and fair framework for all employees to plan and manage their time off. By outlining the accrual, request, and approval processes, we aim to ensure that all employees can take their entitled leave while also meeting the needs of the company. We encourage all employees to review this policy and plan their annual leave accordingly, using at least half of their leave by June 30th and the remaining amount by December 1st. By working together, we can ensure a smooth and enjoyable year for everyone at Fokearn. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your line manager.

Kind Regards

Andrew Fogarty

Managing Director