United Kingdom: Public Holidays 2024/2025

United Kingdom: Bank Holidays 2024/2025

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.