HR experts have shared a method that allows workers to turn 28 days of annual leave into 62 days off in 2027, starting with a 10-day break in January using only five days of leave. The approach, outlined by the HR specialist platform CharlieHR, involves booking leave around bank holidays to create longer stretches of time off.
The technique can also be applied to other periods throughout the year, including Easter, summer, and the following Christmas. According to CharlieHR, careful timing can turn the standard allowance into six larger chunks of time off, though personal circumstances and workplace policies need to be considered.
How the 62-day method works
The method is designed for employees in England and Wales who receive 28 days of annual leave and benefit from eight bank holidays. The relevant bank holidays in 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 day); and Tuesday, December 28 (Boxing Day substitute day).
Ben Gateley, CEO and Co-Founder of CharlieHR, warned: "It's important to consider when these dates line up and whether it works for you. 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."
Differences in Northern Ireland and Scotland
The pattern differs for workers in Northern Ireland and Scotland, as some of their bank holidays fall on other dates. Those in Northern Ireland have 10 bank holidays, adding St Patrick's Day on March 17 and the Battle of the Boyne on July 12. In Scotland, it is usually nine, as workers get a second day off for January 2 (in 2027 this will be a substitute day on January 4) and St Andrew's Day on November 30, but they do not have Easter Monday.
Some dates remain the same across the regions, meaning longer stretches of time off are still possible for those workers.
Advice on balancing leave
Ben 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."
He also noted that some workplaces have different annual leave policies, such as not offering bank holidays as an addition to the allowance, or granting additional days based on years of service. Checking the policy before pre-booking leave can help workers make the most of their allocated time off.
