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There is NO statutory right to time off on UK bank holidays. Whether you're entitled depends on your contract. Some employers include bank holidays in your 28-day statutory holiday allowance; others add them on top. If you work a bank holiday, you may or may not receive extra pay — again, contract-dependent. This guide covers the legal position and typical UK employment patterns.
Checked against the 2 sources listed below · Last reviewed 14 June 2026
No statutory right to premium pay for working bank holidays
Rights entirely contractual — check your contract
Common contract patterns
Pattern 1 — Bank holidays included in statutory 28 days:
- 20 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays = 28 statutory
- If bank holiday falls midweek, you don't have to work but it counts against annual entitlement
Pattern 2 — Bank holidays on top of statutory 28:
- 20 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays taken separately = 28 total
- More common in professional roles
Pattern 3 — Enhanced (above statutory):
- 25 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays = 33 days total
- Common in mid-to-senior UK jobs
Working a bank holiday
Common approaches:
- No premium: just normal day (retail + hospitality often)
- Time in lieu: extra day off at another time
- Premium rate: 1.5x or 2x normal rate
- Contract enhancement: e.g. Christmas Day 3x normal + day in lieu
Check your contract or ask HR — no statutory minimum.
Part-time workers
Employer's approach must be non-discriminatory. Common: pro-rata bank holiday entitlement based on days worked.
Example: 3-day-a-week worker with Wed-Thu-Fri schedule may not benefit from a Monday bank holiday. Employer typically credits pro-rata bank holiday days.
2026 UK bank holidays
1 Jan (Thu): New Year's Day
3 Apr (Fri): Good Friday
6 Apr (Mon): Easter Monday
4 May (Mon): Early May
25 May (Mon): Spring
31 Aug (Mon): Summer
25 Dec (Fri): Christmas Day
28 Dec (Mon): Boxing Day (substitute for Sunday 27th)
Scotland: additional 2 January + Battle of the Boyne substitute + St Andrew's Day.
Northern Ireland: 17 March + 12 July.
In short
Bank holidays are contract-not-law. Check contract for allowance treatment + working-day premium.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to work bank holidays?
Yes if your contract requires it. Refusal without contract right can be gross misconduct.
Do I get extra pay for working a bank holiday?
Only if your contract says so. No statutory premium.
What if I always work weekends?
If you never work Mondays, bank holidays may never affect you. Employer's approach to fair pro-rata varies.
Can my employer make me take bank holidays as annual leave?
Yes — many contracts require it. Common pattern in retail + hospitality especially.
Are Christmas Eve + Boxing Day bank holidays?
Boxing Day is. Christmas Eve is not a UK bank holiday. Many employers close anyway as goodwill.
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Last reviewed: 14 June 2026.
Next review due 14 December 2026.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information based on published HMRC and gov.scot figures. It is not personal tax or financial advice. For your specific situation, please consult a qualified accountant or contact HMRC directly.