Annual Leave Rules in Italy

In Italy, most employees are entitled to a minimum of four weeks (20 days) of paid annual leave per year, as stipulated by Article 36 of the Italian Constitution and further detailed in Legislative Decree No. 66/2003. This right applies to all workers, including part-time employees, who are entitled to a pro-rata amount of leave based on their working hours. Employees accrue their leave entitlement over the course of the year, and it is important to note that any unused leave must generally be taken within 18 months of the end of the leave year, or it may be forfeited unless the employee was unable to take the leave due to specific circumstances, such as illness.

Employers are required to inform employees of their right to annual leave and how to request it. Additionally, employees are entitled to be paid their normal salary during their leave period. In cases where an employee leaves their job, they are entitled to receive payment for any unused annual leave. It is also worth noting that collective bargaining agreements may provide for more generous leave entitlements, so employees should check their specific agreements for additional benefits. For more detailed information on employee rights regarding paid annual leave in Italy, you can visit the official website of the Italian Ministry of Labour and Social Policies at www.lavoro.gov.it.