Many young people think that vacation pay is only for “real jobs” Or that you are not entitled to it in a side job. That is incorrect.
Even with side jobs and part-time work, you are almost always entitled to vacation pay.

In this blog, we explain when you are entitled to vacation pay, how it is calculated, when it must be paid out, and what you can do if that doesn’t happen.

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Are you entitled to vacation pay with a side job?

Yes.
Do you work as:

• student

• part-time worker

• on-call worker

• temporary agency worker

then, in principle, you have the right to holiday pay. That also applies if:

• you work only a few hours

• you have a temporary contract

• it’s “just a side job”

The law makes here no exception for young people.

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How much holiday pay do you get?

The main rule is:
👉 at least 8% of your gross salary.

Sometimes it’s more, for example due to a collective labor agreement or an arrangement in your contract.
That percentage applies to:

• hours worked

• wages you have received

• sometimes also on overtime and allowances

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When must holiday pay be paid out?

This usually happens:

• once a year, often in May or June

But for side jobs we often see something different:

• payment per month

• vacation pay “accrued” on the payslip

• payment upon termination of employment

All forms are allowed, provided it is clear and the money is actually paid.

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Vacation pay per month: what should you pay attention to?

Is your vacation pay paid monthly?

Then pay attention to:

• Is it listed separately on your payslip?

• Is the percentage correct?

• Is it not “hidden” in your hourly wage?

Some employers act as if it is included in the wage, but that is not allowed.

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What if you quit your part-time job?

At the end of your contract, the following applies:

• all accrued holiday pay must be paid out

• even if you resign

• even with short employment contracts

Not getting this? Then that is incorrect.

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Common mistakes by employers

With young people we often see:

• not paying vacation pay at all

• saying that it “does not apply to side jobs”

• unclear payslips

• too low a percentage

• missed payment at the end of employment

👉 Those are not valid excuses.

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What should you do if you don’t receive holiday pay?

Use this step-by-step plan:

1. Check your payslip and contract

2. Calculate whether the percentage is correct

3. Ask in writing for an explanation

4. Request payment

5. Take action if payment doesn’t arrive

The same applies here: you can often retroactively claim vacation pay.

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Common mistakes by young people

• thinking that vacation pay “is not for them”

• not checking pay slips

• assuming that it’s correct

• not taking action when leaving

• waiting too long

That often costs unnecessary money.

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Are you unsure whether your vacation pay is correct?

Are you:

• student

• part-timer

• young person with a part-time job

and are you unsure whether your vacation pay is being paid properly?

Then have it checked quickly. Often it turns out that:

• the holiday pay is missing or too low

• you are entitled to back pay

• the employer has made mistakes

👉 Feel free to get in touch to have your situation assessed.