Time off work

In the UK, employees are entitled to different types of holiday and leaves of absence. Here are some common terms to describe holidays.

Bank holiday = bank holidays fall on a Monday, which mean that people get a long weekend.
Public holiday = a general holiday that everyone takes, such as Christmas Day or Good Friday.
UK workers generally also take at least a few days over summer, Easter and Christmas.

Time off

In addition to public holidays, workers can get time off for other reasons.

A day off (or a morning / afternoon off)

Off sick = off work because you are ill

On compassionate leave = special holiday you might get if someone close to you dies

On maternity / paternity leave = paid leave for new mothers. New fathers can take unpaid leave on the birth of a child.

On sick leave = time off work when you are ill

On extended leave = when you are away from work for a long period of time.

On sabbatical = a long period of time which you take off work in order to study or travel.

To go awol = (go absent without leave) = to take unauthorised time off work or off duty.