HR professionals have outlined a strategy that could let workers in England and Wales turn 28 days of annual leave into 62 days off across 2027, including a 10-day break in January using just five days of holiday.
The approach, shared by HR specialist platform CharlieHR, relies on booking leave around bank holidays and other non-working days. The same method can be applied to Easter, summer and the Christmas period to create six substantial breaks.
How the 62-day method works
The calculation applies to employees in England and Wales who receive 28 days of holiday entitlement alongside eight bank holidays. The relevant dates for 2027 are: Friday, January 1 (New Year's Day); Friday, March 26 (Good Friday); Monday, March 29 (Easter Monday); Monday, May 3 (Early May bank holiday); Monday, May 31 (Spring bank holiday); Monday, August 30 (Summer bank holiday); Monday, December 27 (Christmas Day substitute); and Tuesday, December 28 (Boxing Day substitute).
Workers in Northern Ireland and Scotland should note that some bank holidays fall on different dates, and they receive additional days off. Northern Ireland has 10 bank holidays, including St Patrick's Day on March 17 and the Battle of the Boyne on July 12. Scotland typically observes nine, with an extra day for January 2 (substituted to January 4 in 2027) and St Andrew's Day on November 30, though Easter Monday is not included.
Advice on avoiding burnout
Ben Gateley, CEO and Co-Founder of CharlieHR, cautioned that while the method can double an allowance, it carries risks. "It's important to consider when these dates line up and whether it works for you," he said. "Despite being technically able to double your allowance, with no bank holidays in September, October, or November, you'd end up with a period of three months solid without any days off."
He added: "As with all things in life, the key is balance. Yes, you could double your allowance, but you'd also be increasing the risk of burnout. It's better to pick and choose among a few of the dates that maximise your time off, while saving a few days for unexpected plans or birthdays."
Gateley also noted that some workplaces have different annual leave policies, such as not offering bank holidays in addition to the allowance, or granting extra days based on years of service. Checking your policy before pre-booking leave can help you make the most of your allocated time off.
