What is a “bank holiday” in the United Kingdom?
Public holidays are more commonly referred to as “bank holidays” within the UK. This dates back to the “Bank Holidays Act of 1871” which stipulated specific public holidays where banks would be closed.
Are bank holidays paid in the UK?
There is no obligation for employers to provide paid leave on bank holidays in the UK; however, many companies in the private sector include the dates in the annual holiday entitlement awarded to employees.
Are public holidays on non-working days substituted?
If a bank holiday falls on a weekend in the UK, a substitute weekday, typically the following Monday, will be the observed date.
Are there regional variances within the UK?
It is important to note that the observed dates and holidays differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. There are 8 observed public holidays in England and Wales, 9 in Scotland and 10 in Northern Ireland. In Scotland, local councils are also able to declare additional public holiday dates.
England, Wales and Northern Ireland
2024 Public Holiday Dates
- New Year’s Day: January 1st
- Good Friday: March 29th
- Easter Monday: April 1st
- Early May Bank Holiday: May 6th
- Spring Bank Holiday: May 27th
- Summer Bank Holiday: August 26th
- Christmas Day: December 25th
- Boxing Day: December 26th
2025 Public Holiday Dates
- New Year’s Day: January 1st
- Good Friday: April 18th
- Easter Monday: April 21st
- Early May Bank Holiday: May 5th
- Spring Bank Holiday: May 26th
- Summer Bank Holiday: August 25th
- Christmas Day: December 25th
- Boxing Day: December 26th
Scotland
2024 Public Holiday Dates
- New Year’s Day: January 1st
- 2nd January: January 2nd
- Good Friday: March 29th
- Early May Bank Holiday: May 6th
- Spring Bank Holiday: May 27th
- Summer Bank Holiday: August 5th
- St. Andrew’s Day: December 2nd
- Christmas Day: December 25th
- Boxing Day: December 26th
2025 Public Holiday Dates
- New Year’s Day: January 1st
- 2nd January: January 2nd
- Good Friday: April 18th
- Early May Bank Holiday: May 5th
- Spring Bank Holiday: May 26th
- Summer Bank Holiday: August 4th
- St. Andrew’s Day: December 1st
- Christmas Day: December 25th
- Boxing Day: December 26th
If you have employees in the UK, don’t forget to add these key dates to your diaries and be aware of the public holidays your employees may be celebrating in their country.
