UK Paid Time Off

This is the policy for the UK.

Annual Leave/Vacation Time

We believe it is important to spend time away from work. You are encouraged to schedule time off work to relax, recharge and maintain good health. Every full time UK employee is entitled to take 24 days of paid leave each year, plus the bank holidays.

Team members accrue leave days monthly on a calendar year basis (April - March). If needed, you may borrow up to 10 days before they accrue it.

You can carry over up to 10 days of unused annual leave to the next accrual year, prorated for part-time employees. You may carryover up to 28 days if you were unable to take them due to parental or other family related leave. The new accrual year starts on the 1st of April each year.

Taking time off can affect cash flow, project schedules, and client expectations, so we appreciate being as far ahead as possible for time off of any length. Time off lasting 2 weeks or less, and scheduled at least 30 days in advance, does not require approval. Otherwise, time off must be approved.

Sick Time

The new sick time policy below will go into effect on 1 January 2025. In the meantime, please notify your director and MD of any time off above 10 days, which will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

2025 Sick Time Policy

thoughtbot ensures up to 10 fully paid sick days per calendar year (January - December). This sick policy runs concurrently with any statutory sick leave programs.

Statutory Sick Pay is available for eligible employees in the UK. It pays £116.75 per week starting the 4th consecutive sick day, for up to 28 weeks. A sick note is required after the 7th consecutive sick day (including non-working days) per Statutory Sick Pay.

Bereavement Leave

Team members may take up to 5 paid days off anytime someone close passes away. This includes pregnancy loss prior to 24 weeks. Pregnancy loss after 24 weeks qualifies for statutory maternity leave.

We understand the deep impact that death can have on an individual or a family, so if you need more than 5 days off, you can also use your accrued paid time off, or unpaid time off.