Hong Kong vs United Kingdom | Statutory Paid Annual Leave 2026
A practical comparison of statutory paid annual leave, holiday arrangements and employer checks in Hong Kong and the UK.
Hong Kong provides 7 days of statutory paid annual leave after 12 months' service, rising to 14 days from the 9th year. The UK provides 28 days (5.6 weeks) based on a 5-day week, and employers may count bank holidays towards it. The calculation methods differ, so comparing headline days alone is not enough.
Hong Kong
7 days after 12 months' continuous service, increasing by one day per year of service to 14 days from the 9th year. Employers should arrange leave and keep records of leave dates.
United Kingdom
5.6 weeks (28 days for a 5-day week). If bank holidays are counted towards it, the remaining free days are fewer than 28. Ask for the arrangement before signing.
What to check
Hong Kong accrues by years of service while the UK uses a fixed number of weeks; the UK allows bank holidays to offset part of the entitlement, whereas Hong Kong treats statutory holidays and annual leave as separate regimes. Part-time and casual staff may still accrue pro-rata leave. Compare annual leave, statutory holidays, rest days and overtime together.
Practical reminder for employers and jobseekers
When arranging part-time or cross-border recruitment, confirm service length, the basis of leave (days vs weeks), public-holiday arrangements and pay-in-lieu rules up front.
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Sources: Hong Kong Labour Department (Employment Ordinance); UK GOV.UK. Unverified item: last amendment date of the legislation — pending confirmation. This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Employment agency licence no. 82734.
