This note provides a short overview of the law relevant to rights to time off work during bank and public holidays. It also provides some background on the origin of bank holidays.
Bank and public holidays (811 KB , PDF)
This note sets out:
Bank holidays are set by statute; other public holidays such as Good Friday and Christmas Day are holidays by convention, often termed common law or public holidays. The terms are commonly used interchangeably, with “bank holidays” generally understood to refer to bank holidays set out in statute, royally proclaimed holidays and common law public holidays.
The legislation defining bank holidays concerns financial dealings; it does not provide rights to annual leave. A worker’s right, or lack thereof, to annual leave on these days derives from his contract. The 5.6 week statutory holiday entitlement is inclusive of bank holidays. Absent any contractual term to the contrary, an employer may require a worker to attend work on a bank holiday.
There are eight holidays in England and Wales, nine in Scotland and ten in Northern Ireland.
England and Wales
Scotland
Northern Ireland
Bank and public holidays (811 KB , PDF)
This briefing gives an overview of rising prices, particularly food, energy and fuel prices, including the effect of the conflict in Ukraine. It outlines Government support as well as how inflation, interest rates and other policies which will affect household budgets.
This paper provides the latest statistics and analysis of employment, unemployment, economic inactivity and earnings in the UK.
Use the interactive dashboard to explore data for parliamentary constituencies, covering topics including unemployment, house prices and election results
