NHS Annual Leave Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
How is NHS annual leave calculated under Agenda for Change?
Annual leave depends on your total NHS service: 0–4 years = 27 days, 5–9 years = 29 days, 10+ years = 33 days, plus bank holidays. Part-time staff receive a pro-rata entitlement based on contracted hours. Always check your local policy.
Does the calculator work for part-time staff?
Yes. It converts days into hours using a 37.5-hour full-time week (7.5 hours per day) and prorates by your weekly hours or average hours if you use the variable-hours option.
Are bank holidays included?
Yes. England & Wales typically have 8 bank holidays per year. Scotland and Northern Ireland may differ. The tool pre-fills a default but lets you override, and prorates for part-time and partial-year periods.
Can it handle starters or leavers mid-year?
Yes. Use the start/leaver date options to prorate your entitlement and bank holidays for the actual period worked.
What if my hours vary each month?
Add a variable-hours pattern in the Advanced section. The tool uses your average contracted hours over the selected period for a fair calculation.
Can I carry over or purchase leave?
If your employer allows it, you can add carry-over and purchased leave hours. These appear separately in the breakdown and are included in the total.
Does this apply to doctors, dentists, or very senior managers?
No. This calculator follows Agenda for Change terms. Medical and dental staff and VSM may have different arrangements—check local guidance.
Which leave year does the tool assume?
The default leave year starts in April (typical for NHS), but your organisation may differ. Adjust nation/period and dates as needed.
How accurate are the results?
The results are indicative based on AfC rules and your inputs. Local policies, rounding rules, and contractual terms may vary—confirm with your line manager or HR.
Can I export or share the calculation?
Yes. Use the existing copy/download options. You can also share a link if deep-linking is enabled.