A blackout period (an embargo) is a date range when staff can't book new leave — for example a busy season or a key event. Admins set these up so cover stays in place when it's needed most.
Booking leave during a blackout
If the dates you pick in Request leave fall inside a blackout period, the form shows an amber warning naming the period, for example "These dates fall in a blackout period — Christmas." If you try to submit anyway, the request is blocked and you'll be told leave can't be booked during that period.
Blackout periods only stop new requests over those dates. Leave you booked before the period was added is not affected, and you can still book leave for any dates outside the blackout.
Who sets them
Only admins can create or remove blackout periods, under Leave blackout periods on the Leave & availability page. Each one has a name and a start and end date. An admin booking leave on someone's behalf can still book inside a blackout period when necessary.
- If your dates are blocked, try moving your request to fall outside the named period, or ask an admin if an exception can be made.
- Active and upcoming blackout periods are visible on the request form, so you can plan around them.