Article 43 Unpaid leave

An agricultural worker has the right to request a period of unpaid leave from their employer.

Where the agricultural worker meets the eligibility requirements for time off for public duties or dependants under the Employment Rights Act 1996, parental leave under the Maternity and Parental Leave etc. Regulations 1999^f1 or carer’s leave under the Carer’s Leave Regulations 2024^f2, the employer must respond in accordance with the relevant legislation.

In other instances, the employer may choose whether to consent to the agricultural worker’s request for unpaid leave.