I did some research on unpaid leaves -- as a contractor using an umbrella company or just a contractor, we are entitled for 5.6 weeks paid holiday per year. This is probably why on the payslip, there is column called 'holiday pay' every month.
So, am I right to say even though the actual days I am taking holiday are unpaid, but as longer as the number of holiday days doesn't exceed 5.6 weeks, these holidays are paid annual leaves. Otherwise, I can not travel outside the UK even for half day as it will be considered as 'unpaid'.
Please let me know your thoughts on this and help to make this matter clearer!
Working 5 days a week
Most workers who work a 5-day week, must receive 28 days paid annual leave per year. This is calculated by multiplying a normal week (5 days) by the annual entitlement of 5.6 weeks.
https://www.gov.uk/holiday-entitlement-rights"Entitlement
Almost all workers are legally entitled to 5.6 weeks paid holiday per year (known as statutory leave entitlement or annual leave)."