Leave: and the divisor 26 that decides what it is worth

By Equipo Saplic Published on 11/08/2026 Updated on 11/08/2026

A small technical detail with real financial consequences at termination.

For guidance only

The amounts and deadlines in this guide can change by law. Always check the update date and the official sources cited below. For a specific case, consult the labour authority or a professional.

In this guide
  1. Annual leave
  2. The divisor 26
  3. Leave not taken
  4. Sick leave and maternity
  5. Working hours and overtime
  6. Public holidays
  7. Collective agreements
  8. Where to raise a problem

The Employment Code Act sets out leave entitlements and working conditions for Zambian employees.

Annual leave

Employees accrue paid annual leave under the Code, with the entitlement set out in the Act and frequently improved by contract or collective agreement.

The divisor 26

Here is the technical point that matters financially. The Ministry's guidance calculates leave pay as:

salary × number of leave days ÷ 26

The 26 represents the days a general or domestic worker is expected to work in a month.

Because 26 is smaller than 30, each leave day is worth more than a simple monthly division would suggest. If your leave payment was calculated by dividing by 30, it came out low.

Leave not taken

Days accrued but not taken are paid at termination, as part of your terminal benefits.

Keep your own record of days taken and days refused. In a dispute, that record is often the only evidence.

Sick leave and maternity

The Code provides for paid sick leave subject to medical certification, and for maternity leave with protections around dismissal during that period.

Working hours and overtime

Standard hours are set under the Code, with overtime payable for work beyond them. Rates and conditions may be improved by collective agreement.

Public holidays

Zambia observes public holidays declared by the government, with pay implications where you are required to work.

Collective agreements

Where a collective agreement covers your workplace, it may give you more than the Code on leave, hours and terminal benefits alike.

It is worth asking whether one applies to your role — many employees do not know.

Where to raise a problem

The Labour Officer for your district handles complaints under the Employment Code.

Frequently asked questions

How is leave pay calculated in Zambia?
Salary multiplied by the number of leave days, divided by twenty-six — the days a general or domestic worker is expected to work in a month.
Why does the divisor matter?
Because 26 is smaller than 30, each leave day is worth more than a simple monthly division suggests. A calculation using 30 comes out low.
What happens to leave I did not take?
Days accrued but not taken are paid at termination as part of your terminal benefits. Keep your own record of days taken and refused.
Does a collective agreement change my entitlements?
It may improve on the Code for leave, hours and terminal benefits. It is worth asking whether one applies to your role.
Where do I raise a leave problem?
With the Labour Officer for your district, who handles complaints under the Employment Code.

Sources

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