Just because you are a contractor this does not mean you do not want, or even require, holidays and time away. So how does this work? Can I survive without holiday pay?

Firstly, Contractors can take holidays and time off in a very similar way to employees.

Most contracts enable you to arrange time off, it is very unlikely that you will be unable to take time off during most contracts, of course it can take some negotiating and does depend on the importance of the current contract.

Most clients will allow contractors to take time away if there are quiet times, this is a great way for them to save money and allow you the time you need.

Of course then come the options of maybe three or more weeks away. No client, as no employer, would generally allow a large period to be taken off for holiday. However, as a contractor, you can plan your contracts and, due to the extra money, take those long breaks in-between contracts, simply a benefit an employee does not have.

There are not rules and regulations on holidays and time off for Contractors, so do ensure you discuss these with your client beforehand, they may be happy to extend the Contract for a couple of weeks for any time you have pre-booked during the normal contract time.

It is important to remember that if you are away from a contract for a few weeks, you should look to secure another role beforehand. You are not guaranteed a placement as soon as you return, you do not want a month out and then have to come back to no work. Planning is the key for holidays when you are a Contractor.