Taking 3 Weeks off In Work?

elsien

Two weeks twice a year (with all the caveats already expressed) is certainly more do-able, if you can be flexible about it. I usually have 2 weeks in May and 2 in September, but last year for some reason everyone wanted September so we had to resort to drawing names out of a hat and I got the end of Sept/October instead.


You're very unlikely to get an employer to agree to fixed weeks every year, in case the needs of the business change, staffing changes etc. But if you're prepared to be flexible and accommodate other people, they're likely to do the same for you.
I have a staff member who for the last x number of years has had 3 weeks off in April/May because he's a local councillor and wants to stomp the campaign trail. I have so far been able to say yes because it's not generally weeks that lots of other people want and because he will cover Christmas and doesn't care where the rest of his leave goes, to make up for it. But I'd never agree to put it in writing as a definite for every year in case something cropped up that was equally as important to someone else.

It really does depend on the workplace and whether you're asking for weeks that lots of other people may also want. Which you can't pre-judge at interview because it varies so much according to whether other staff have kids/want school holidays or whatever, all of which changes over time. Too many variables.

zzzLazyDaisy

Also remember that if your leave entitlement is 6 weeks, and you wish to take that entitlement in two 3 week blocks each year, this leaves you no spare days at all. Most employers would not agree to the proposal for this reason alone - what happens when you want time off for weddings, funerals, and other events? Also does the 6 weeks include bank holidays? If so are you really willing to work through Easter/Christmas/New Year, and does your employer (or future employer) even operate on those days?

apesxx

You need to ask your boss as everywhere is different. My current employer will allow upto 2 weeks and anything over has to have special authorisation. My last employer would allow you to take it all in one go if you wanted as long as there were no more than 2 off at once. But no holidays allowed over Xmas or Easter unless extremely special circumstances.