Frequently Asked Questions About UK Bank Holidays
This page answers common questions about bank holidays in the United Kingdom. The information applies to 2026 and general bank holiday rules.
What are bank holidays?
Bank holidays are public holidays in the United Kingdom when banks and many businesses are closed. They are established by the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971. The term originates from the days when banks were closed on these dates, though the holidays now apply more broadly across society.
How many bank holidays are there in 2026?
The number of bank holidays in 2026 varies by region. England and Wales have 8 bank holidays. Scotland has 9 bank holidays, including 2nd January and St Andrew’s Day. Northern Ireland has 10 bank holidays, including St Patrick’s Day and the Battle of the Boyne.
Are employers required to give bank holidays off?
Employers are not legally required to give employees bank holidays off work. Entitlement to time off on bank holidays depends on the terms of an employment contract. Some contracts include bank holidays as part of annual leave entitlement, while others provide them as additional paid days off. Workers should check their contract or speak to their employer about their specific entitlement.
Are bank holidays the same across the UK?
Bank holidays are not identical across the UK. While several holidays such as New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day are observed throughout the UK, there are regional differences. Scotland has 2nd January and St Andrew’s Day. Northern Ireland has St Patrick’s Day and the Battle of the Boyne. The summer bank holiday also falls on different dates in Scotland compared to the rest of the UK.
Can bank holidays be moved?
Yes, bank holidays can be moved or additional bank holidays can be created by royal proclamation. This has happened for special occasions such as royal weddings, jubilees, and state funerals. When a bank holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute weekday is typically given. In 2026, Boxing Day falls on a Saturday, so Monday 28 December is a substitute bank holiday.
What happens if I work on a bank holiday?
There is no automatic right to extra pay for working on a bank holiday. Whether you receive premium pay or time off in lieu depends entirely on your employment contract. Many employers do offer enhanced pay or alternative time off, but this is not a legal requirement.
Are shops open on bank holidays?
Many shops open on bank holidays, though often with reduced hours. In England and Wales, large shops (over 280 square metres) have restricted Sunday trading hours, but this does not apply to most bank holidays. Christmas Day and Easter Sunday have specific restrictions on large shop openings. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different rules regarding shop opening hours.
Do part-time workers get bank holidays?
Part-time workers are entitled to a pro-rata share of bank holidays based on the days and hours they work. If a part-time worker does not normally work on a day when a bank holiday falls, the employer may give them an alternative day off or additional pay. The specific arrangement depends on the employment contract.