non-EEA husband rights whilst EU wife short term abroad

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I am an irish citizen exercising my treaty rights in the UK, and my husband, a non-eea national is here with me. We are both working full time and are soon hoping to recieve his temporary residence card. We have both been living and working in the UK for the last 6 months or so.

My question is in relation to a planned trip for Christmas. If i go to see my family abroad for a few weeks (retaining my employment, and on holiday leave) can my non-eea husband stay in the UK without me and keep working?

How long can I be on holiday before needing to return so that he does not lose his residency rights?

Thanks for any help you are able to offer.