Assumptions and pay data
- 2016 terms and conditions, Schedule 10 para 9: 27 days on first appointment to the NHS and 32 after 5 years' completed NHS service, for a five-day week. These include the two old extra-statutory days. Public holidays come on top (para 24).
- Here, full time is 40 hours a week, so a full-time leave day is 8 hours (a fifth of the week) and 27 days is 216 hours. Para 13 allows leave to be worked out in hours for some doctors.
- LTFT: leave is pro-rata (para 12), and public holidays are pro-rata, rounded up to the nearest half day (para 25).
- A post or placement shorter than 12 months gets leave in proportion to its length (para 11). The leave year runs from the start of your appointment (para 8).
Annual Leave Calculator
EnglandNHS resident / junior doctor contract (2016), not Agenda for ChangeFramework from 1/4/2026
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Guide for Junior Doctor
This guide summarises contractual annual leave for Junior Doctor under NHS Junior / Resident Doctor Contract (England, 2016) at NHS. Part-time staff receive a pro-rata share based on contracted hours.
Annual leave for Junior Doctor
As Junior Doctor at NHS, annual leave usually follows NHS Junior Doctor (2016 contract). A full-time employee with around three years' service might receive about 27 days (216 hours at typical full-time hours) per year, before pro-rating for part-time hours. Bank holiday treatment varies; check whether they are included in the stated total. Part-time staff receive a pro-rata share based on contracted weekly hours.
Example scenario
Example at 2 years' service and 40 hours a week: 27 days plus 8 public holidays, under the 2016 resident doctor contract
| Sector terms (example) | NHS Junior Doctor (2016 contract) |
|---|---|
| Years of service (example) | 2 |
| Annual leave days (example) | 27 |
| Hours (full-time example) | 216 |
Frequently asked questions
How much annual leave do resident doctors get?
27 days a year plus 8 public holidays on first NHS appointment, and 32 days after 5 years' completed NHS service. That is 35 and then 40 days off in total.
Does my leave reset when I rotate to a new employer?
Your leave year runs from the start of each appointment (Schedule 10 para 8), and a placement shorter than 12 months gets a pro-rata share (para 11). Your completed NHS service still counts towards the 5-year step.
How does LTFT training change my leave?
It is pro-rata. At 24 hours a week (60% of 40), 27 days becomes 16.2 days, or 129.6 hours. Public holidays become 4.8 days, which para 25 rounds up to 5.
Can I take leave on a shift with an enhanced rate?
Not directly. Para 10 says leave cannot be taken from shifts that attract an enhanced rate or an allowance. You arrange a swap with a doctor on the same rota instead.
How much notice do I need to give?
Normally at least six weeks (para 14). If you give that notice, your employer must allow leave you request for a life-changing event (para 16).
Do you store my information?
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About this role
What is a Junior Doctor?
A Junior Doctor is a doctor in postgraduate training (foundation, core or specialty). They work under supervision in hospitals and community, with pay on the national junior doctor contract (England) or equivalent.
Typical demands, progression and balance
Junior doctor roles offer rapid learning and variety. Pay and conditions depend on grade, rotation and contract. Progression is through training to CCT and consultant or GP.
What is my annual leave entitlement?
Use the figures on this page for your sector’s leave rules, including pro-rata for part-time where that applies. Teachers under STPCD use directed time and school holidays instead of a separate leave pot. Always check your contract or school calendar for exact dates.
Disclaimer
Illustrative estimates, not legal or HR advice. Your contract and your employer's policy decide your actual entitlement.