In the Falkland Islands, the rules for vacation leave, also known as annual leave, are outlined in the Employment Ordinance (2023).

Minimum Vacation Entitlement

Every employee is entitled to a minimum of 22 working days of paid vacation leave each year. This entitlement increases to 30 working days after an employee has completed five years of continuous service with the same employer.

Accrual and Eligibility

Vacation leave accrues throughout the employment year. However, employees are generally not permitted to take this leave until they have completed one full year of work. The scheduling of vacation leave is typically determined by the employer, who takes into account both the needs of the workplace and the preferences of the employee.

Compensation

During vacation periods, employees must receive their regular salary in full.

The Falkland Islands observe a mix of national, historical, and religious holidays throughout the year. Here's a breakdown of the officially recognized public holidays:

Fixed Date Holidays

• New Year's Day (January 1st): Celebrates the start of the calendar year.
• Margaret Thatcher Day (January 10th): Commemorates the former British Prime Minister.
• March Liberation Day (March 14th): Celebrates the liberation of the Falkland Islands during the 1982 conflict.
• Good Friday (March/April): A Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The exact date varies yearly.
• Queen's Birthday (April 21st): The official birthday of the reigning British monarch.
• May Day Bank Holiday (First Monday in May): A traditional UK bank holiday.
• Liberation Day (June 14th): Anniversary of the end of the 1982 Falklands conflict.
• Midwinter's Day (Longest Night, usually June 21st): Observes the shortest day of the year in the Falkland Islands (Southern Hemisphere).
• Battle Day (December 8th): Commemorates a naval battle during World War I.
• Christmas Day (December 25th): A Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
• Boxing Day (December 26th): The day after Christmas Day.

Employees in the Falkland Islands have legal rights to various types of leave, outlined in the Employment Ordinance (2023). Here's a breakdown of these entitlements:

Vacation Leave

Employees are entitled to a minimum of 22 working days of paid annual leave, increasing to 30 working days upon completing five years of continuous service. Employees receive full pay during vacation leave periods.

Sick Leave

Employees become eligible for paid sick leave upon completing six months of continuous service. The duration may depend on employment length and medical certification requirements. Compensation for sick leave is usually a portion of regular pay, potentially scaling with employment duration.

Maternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave, generally split before and after childbirth. Eligible employees receive maternity benefits through social insurance or employer-paid schemes. Details are outlined in employment agreements and Falkland Islands' social insurance regulations.

Paternity Leave

Fathers are entitled to one week of paid paternity leave after the birth of their child.

Other Types of Leave

Bereavement Leave

Employees may be entitled to short-term paid leave in the case of the death of a close family member.

Special Circumstance Leave

Employees may be entitled to short-term leave for circumstances such as marriage, medical appointments, or civic duties. The specific provisions may depend on employment agreements or workplace policies.