If a user can’t book absence on a specific date, the issue is usually caused by either absence type restrictions or bank holiday layer settings.
📌 Note: You need HR Admin permissions to update absence types and work layers.
Check activity mask settings
Absence types may be restricted to certain days.
Click HR Admin, then click Setup.
Click Types.
Find the required absence type.
Locate Activity Mask.
Set the correct value:
1: Book on working days only
2: Book on non-working days only
3: Book on any day
Press Enter, then click Save.
Understand activity mask behaviour
If set to 1, users can’t book on weekends or bank holidays.
If set to 3, users can book on any date.
Check bank holiday layers
Bank holiday layers may prevent booking on certain dates.
Identify the layer
Click HR Admin, then click Setup.
Click Custom bank holidays.
Note the layer ID.
Remove outdated layers
Click HR Admin, then click Change user work layers.
Find the user.
Edit the Layer Array.
Remove the custom bank holiday layer ID if it’s no longer needed.
Press Enter, then click Save.
⚠️ Important: Only remove the specific bank holiday layer ID. Don’t delete other values, as these control working patterns.
Understand common causes
This issue usually occurs when:
The absence type restricts booking to working days.
A custom bank holiday layer marks the date as non-bookable.