Leave & Attendance
What is Unpaid Leave?
Unpaid leave is approved time away from work for which regular wages are not paid.
In simple terms
It may be used when paid leave is unavailable or for circumstances covered by an employer policy. Organisations should state how it affects pay, benefits and service records before approving it.
Example
An employee takes five approved unpaid days after using their annual paid leave balance.
Frequently asked questions
Is unpaid leave the same as LWP?
LWP is a commonly used term for leave without pay, which is a type of unpaid leave.
Does unpaid leave reduce salary?
Yes. It normally reduces pay for the approved absence period.