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Leave Days Calculator
Calculate the cash value of your accrued leave days using the Employment Code Act formula.
Enter your details
Set your basic pay and accrued leave days to calculate the value of your leave.
Leave Days - Key Facts
Leave Entitlement - Employment Code Act 2019
Leave Pay Formula (Fifth Schedule)
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Pay | Basic Pay + Allowances (excludes bonuses) |
| Leave Days | Number of accrued unused leave days |
| Divisor | 26 working days per month |
| Formula | (Full Pay x Leave Days) / 26 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many leave days am I entitled to in Zambia?
Under the Employment Code Act 2019, employees are entitled to a minimum of 2 days of paid leave per month of service, which adds up to 24 days per year. This kicks in after 6 months of continuous service.
How is leave pay calculated in Zambia?
Leave pay uses the Fifth Schedule formula: Leave Value = (Full Pay x Leave Days) / 26. Full pay means basic pay plus allowances, but excludes bonuses. 26 represents the standard working days in a month.
What does "full pay" mean for leave calculation?
Full pay includes your basic salary plus regular allowances like housing, transport, and lunch allowances. It does not include bonuses, overtime, or one-off payments. This is the figure used as the numerator in the leave pay formula.
Is leave pay taxable in Zambia?
Yes. Leave pay is treated as regular employment income and is subject to PAYE income tax, NAPSA contributions (5%), and NHIMA (1%). The same tax bands that apply to your monthly salary apply to leave pay.
Can my employer pay me cash instead of taking leave?
Yes. Under Section 40 of the Employment Code Act 2019, an employer may, with the employee's agreement, pay wages in lieu of any leave due. If leave has accumulated by the time your contract ends, the employer must pay out the balance.
What happens to my unused leave days when I resign?
When employment ends - whether by resignation, termination, or contract expiry - you are entitled to payment for any accrued leave days that you have not yet taken, calculated at 2 days per completed month of service.
Do public holidays count as leave days?
No. Annual leave is separate from public holidays. If a public holiday falls during your leave period, that day does not count against your leave balance. Zambia has around 11 gazetted public holidays per year.
How is the daily rate calculated?
The daily rate is your full monthly pay divided by 26 working days. For example, if your full pay is K10,000 per month, your daily rate is K10,000 / 26 = K384.62.
How is leave pay calculated? Show me an example.
Example: An employee earns K12,000/month (basic + allowances) and has 15 unused leave days. Daily rate = K12,000 / 26 = K461.54. Leave pay = K461.54 x 15 = K6,923.08. This is subject to PAYE, NAPSA (5%), and NHIMA (1%) deductions.
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Sources
Section 40 and Fifth Schedule - leave entitlement and leave pay formula.
Original leave provisions - 2 days per month, full pay definition.
Leave pay is taxable as regular emoluments - PAYE, NAPSA, and NHIMA apply.
Zamcalc results are estimates only. Figures are based on rates published by official sources. Verify with the relevant authority or a licensed professional before taking any action. Zamcalc is not liable for decisions based on these figures.