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Original poster

Work won’t let me cancel leave

111 replies

centregems · 01/04/2026 20:46

I work on a small team and only a few can be off at any one time. As soon as the holiday booking period opened in January I booked next week off as for 4 days leave you get 10 days off. Others also booked up too to the max allowed off. I don’t want that leave now as my plans have changed. My colleague is grumbling as they are saying they would have booked a holiday if they could have had the leave but I got in first. He complained to our manager who says I can’t cancel as such short notice. Is this allowed?

OP posts:
roseymoira · 01/04/2026 20:53

What would make you think it isn’t allowed?

hahabahbag · 01/04/2026 20:53

It’s down to your employer, I’ve never worked anywhere that strict but I can see their point.

Thriftnugget · 01/04/2026 20:52

Yes I think it probably is. But others will be along soon I’m sure. Organising Rota’s, cover, work distribution etc is a significant challenge for many managers and they need certainty to keep businesses going. Similarly wanting holiday off at short notice is also challenging and so a refusal isn’t unreasonable.

Egit · 01/04/2026 20:51

I think your manager is being spiteful because of your colleague. Whether you cancel it or not, he still doesn’t get to go on holiday.

However, it also depends on when you want to use it in the future

HasaDiga · 01/04/2026 20:51

The law allows employers to specify when leave can be taken. If they wanted to they could say everyone has to take all their leave in November. They tend instead to permit people to pick dates within reason but once you’ve done that they are permitted to refuse to allow you to change your mind.

Mogbiscuit · 01/04/2026 20:50

Your colleagues wanted to book a ling Easter break and it's much too late for that now.

LlynTegid · 01/04/2026 20:50

I think cancelling at short notice should be accepted. As long as you don't then end up not taking all your leave.

34feeling54 · 01/04/2026 20:49

It's not a rule I've come across. I have often cancelled or changed dates. Check your HR policy I guess.

Pippa12 · 01/04/2026 20:48

We can’t cancel our leave. It’s booked until April 2027. If plans change it’s just tough luck. We could arrange a swap but 3 months is likely the minimum time needed.

Viviennemary · 01/04/2026 20:48

You've booked the leave. That's it. Too late now to change your mind.

misssunshine4040 · 01/04/2026 20:48

Yes I think you are unreasonable in circumstances given the dynamics in your workplace.

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