Holiday Pay Claim — Gig Worker Letter Template & Generator

If you need to claim holiday pay entitlement as a gig economy worker, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong holiday pay claim — gig worker should include, plus a free tool to generate yours.

What this letter needs to cover

• Assert worker status
• Claim 5.6 weeks holiday pay calculated on average earnings
• Reference the Working Time Regulations 1998
• Calculate the amount claimed where possible
• Give a deadline for response and warn of tribunal claim

Your right to holiday pay as a gig worker

Following Supreme Court rulings, many gig economy staff have been confirmed as "workers" under UK law, entitling them to statutory holiday pay — currently 5.6 weeks per year, calculated based on average earnings — even where a platform has classified them as self-employed. Misclassification doesn't remove this right; it simply means the entitlement hasn't been paid.

What to include before you send it

• A clear assertion of your status as a worker, referencing relevant case law if you're aware of it
• A calculation of the holiday pay you believe you're owed, based on your actual earnings pattern
• The period you're claiming for — noting there are limits on how far back claims can go
• A request for payment and for holiday pay to be properly calculated going forward

How holiday pay should be calculated for irregular gig work

For workers without fixed hours, holiday pay is generally calculated as a percentage of earnings (commonly 12.07%, reflecting 5.6 weeks against a 46.4-week working year), though this method has evolved through case law, so it's worth checking the current recommended approach carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far back can I claim unpaid holiday pay?
Claims are generally limited, and can be affected by gaps of more than a certain period between deductions, so it's worth seeking specific advice on your maximum backdated claim.

Does it matter that my contract says I'm self-employed?
No — courts look at the actual reality of the working relationship, not just the label used in a contract, when determining employment status.

See our full letter template & generator library for related letters, or use our free checkers for guidance specific to your situation.