In Guyana, the entitlement to annual leave or vacation for employees is dependent on their duration of service with an employer. Employees who have served between 1 to 10 years are entitled to one calendar day for each month of employment, which typically amounts to 12 working days per year. For those who have served for over 10 years, the entitlement increases to two calendar days for each month of employment, generally equating to 24 working days per year.

Accrual and Eligibility

The accrual of vacation leave is likely proportional throughout the year and can be availed after one year of service, subject to the agreement of the employer.

Compensation

During vacation periods, employees are entitled to receive their regular salary in full.

It's crucial to remember that individual employment contracts or collective agreements may provide vacation leave provisions that surpass the legal minimums mentioned above. Therefore, it's always advisable to check your specific documents for the most accurate details.

Guyana celebrates a number of public holidays throughout the year. Some of these holidays have fixed dates, while others vary each year based on different calendars.

Fixed Date Holidays

• New Year's Day (January 1st): This day marks the beginning of the calendar year.
• Republic Day (February 23rd): This day celebrates Guyana becoming a republic in 1970.
• Labor Day (May 1st): This day celebrates workers' contributions internationally.
• Independence Day (May 26th): This day celebrates Guyana's independence from Great Britain in 1966.
• Enmore Martyrs' Day (June 16th): This day commemorates sugar workers killed during a labor unrest in 1948.
• Emancipation Day (August 1st): This day celebrates the abolition of slavery in the British Empire.
• Christmas Day (December 25th): This is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
• Boxing Day (December 26th): This day is observed the day after Christmas Day.

Holidays with Variable Dates

• Phagwah: This is a Hindu festival, its date varies yearly based on the Hindu calendar.
• Youman Nabi: This day observes the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, with the date changing according to the Islamic calendar.
• Good Friday: This is the Friday before Easter Sunday. The date varies yearly.
• Easter Monday: This is the day after Easter Sunday. The date varies yearly.
• Deepavali: This is a Hindu festival of lights, with its date varying based on the Hindu calendar.
• Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice): This day commemorates Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son. The exact date varies yearly.

In Guyana, employees are entitled to various types of leave, each with its own set of rules and regulations.

Vacation Leave

Employees are entitled to paid vacation leave (annual leave). The specific duration depends on their length of service. During vacation leave periods, employees receive full pay.

Sick Leave

Employees likely become eligible for paid sick leave after completing a probationary period with their employer. The specific duration of paid sick leave might depend on the length of employment and stipulations within employment contracts or workplace policies. Paid sick leave compensation amounts and duration can likely vary based on employment duration, workplace policies, and the nature of the illness. Employers may require a medical certificate to validate the need for sick leave after a specific period.

Maternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to 13 weeks (approximately three months) of maternity leave. Eligible employees likely receive maternity benefits through a combination of employer contributions and social security.

Other Types of Leave

Bereavement Leave

Employees may be entitled to a short period of paid leave in the case of the death of a close family member. The specific provisions often depend on employment agreements or workplace policies.

Special Circumstance Leave

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

It's important to note that individual employment contracts or collective agreements may offer additional leave provisions exceeding the outlined legal minimums. Always consult your specific agreement for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding leave policies in your workplace. Labor laws in Guyana might be subject to potential updates, so checking for the latest information is advisable.