Annual Leave Policy

Q: Who is eligible for annual leave under this policy?

This policy covers permanent full-time and part-time employees. Casual employees are generally not entitled to annual leave under the National Employment Standards, and this policy clarifies eligibility to avoid confusion or disputes.

Q: Can leave requests be refused?

Yes, leave requests may be declined if they conflict with operational requirements or do not meet notice requirements. The policy ensures employees understand that approval is not guaranteed and outlines the process for submitting requests.

Q: What happens if an employee takes leave without approval?

The policy states that unauthorised leave is not permitted and clarifies the company’s position on liability for related expenses. This helps protect the business from claims arising from unauthorised absences.

Q: Can employees be directed to take annual leave?

Yes, the policy allows the company to direct employees to take annual leave during shutdown periods (such as Christmas) or if they have accrued excessive leave, in line with employment laws and operational needs.

Q: Does the policy explain payroll during annual leave?

Yes, it outlines how payroll is processed when employees are on annual leave, including details on leave loading where applicable. This helps minimise disputes over pay during leave periods.

Q: Are there risks if employees make travel plans before approval?

Yes, the policy makes it clear the company is not responsible for costs incurred if leave is not approved. Employees are advised to wait for written approval before making any commitments.

Q: How quickly can this policy be implemented?

The document can be completed and put in place in under five minutes. It is suitable for businesses in all Australian states and territories, making it easy to adopt company-wide.

An Annual Leave Policy outlines the annual leave entitlements and obligations in place for your employees.

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Last updated January 13, 2025

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Suitable for Australia

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What is a annual leave policy?

An annual leave policy is a document that sets out the rules and procedures for employees to request and take annual leave, including entitlements and company requirements.

When should you use a annual leave policy?

Use an annual leave policy when you want to clearly communicate annual leave entitlements, application processes, and approval requirements to your employees.

What should be in a annual leave policy?

A policy should include eligibility for leave, the process for applying, approval requirements, company rights to direct leave, and payroll procedures during leave.

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Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for annual leave under this policy?

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Can leave requests be refused?

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What happens if an employee takes leave without approval?

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Can employees be directed to take annual leave?

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Does the policy explain payroll during annual leave?

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Are there risks if employees make travel plans before approval?

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How quickly can this policy be implemented?

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View Sample Annual Leave Policy

The Legal Risk Score of a Annual Leave Policy Template is Low

Our legal team have marked this document as low risk considering:

There is a risk associated with making travel or other commitments before obtaining leave approval, as the company explicitly states it is not responsible for any costs incurred if leave is not approved.
Employees may be directed to take annual leave during company shutdowns or if their accrued leave is considered excessive, which could disrupt personal plans or preferences.
The document lacks clarity on how much notice the company will provide before directing an employee to take leave, which could lead to uncertainty and short-notice disruptions for employees.