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{{Use British English|date=October 2013}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2013}}


'''Public holidays in the United Kingdom''', commonly referred to as [[bank holiday]]s, are days where most businesses and essential services are closed although an increasing number of retail businesses (especially the larger ones) do open on some of the public holidays, in relation to trading laws.
'''Public holidays in the United Kingdom''', commonly referred to as [[bank holiday]]s, are days where most businesses and non - essential services are closed although an increasing number of retail businesses (especially the larger ones) do open on some of the public holidays. There are restrictions on trading on Sundays and Christmas Day.


Three public holidays are common to all [[countries of the United Kingdom]]. These are: [[New Year's Day]], the first Monday in May, [[Christmas Day]], and [[Boxing Day]]. Some banks open on some bank holidays. In Scotland, while New Year's Day and Christmas Day are national holidays, other bank holidays are not necessarily public holidays, since the Scots instead observe traditional local custom and practice for their public holidays. In Northern Ireland, once again, bank holidays other than New Year's Day and Christmas Day are not necessarily public holidays. Good Friday and Christmas Day are common law holidays, except in Scotland, where they are bank holidays.<ref name="weatherfaqs">[http://weatherfaqs.org.uk/node/170 UK Bank Holidays], Retrieved 2011-10-26</ref><ref name="answerbank">[http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Phrases-and-Sayings/article/why-are-bank-holidays-called-bank-holidays/ Why are bank holidays called bank holidays], Retrieved 2011-10-26</ref><ref name="whenis">[http://www.whenis.co.uk/when-is/bank-holiday-dates.php When is the next Bank Holiday?], Retrieved 2011-10-26</ref><ref name="bis">[http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/employment-matters/rights/bank-holidays Department for Business Innovation & Skills: Bank holidays and British summertime], Retrieved 2011-10-26</ref> In Scotland the holiday on 1 January (or 2 January if 1 January is Sunday) is statutory. If it falls on Saturday, 3 January is given by Royal Proclamation. 2 January is given by Royal Proclamation, with a substitute holiday on 4 January if it is Saturday and 3 January if it is Sunday. Outside Scotland, 1 January is given by Royal Proclamation, or 3 January if it is Saturday and 2 January if it is Sunday. In Scotland, 25 December is a statutory holiday (or 26 December if Christmas Day falls on a Sunday). 26 December is given by Royal Proclamation if it is neither Saturday, Sunday or Monday. 27 and 28 December are given by Royal Proclamation if Christmas Day is Saturday. 27 December only is given if Boxing Day is Saturday. Outside Scotland, if Christmas Day is a Sunday there is an additional statutory holiday on 27 December. By Royal Proclamation, if Christmas Day is a Saturday there is a substitute holiday on 28 December. If Boxing Day is a Sunday there is again a statutory holiday on 27 December, and if Boxing Day is a Saturday there is a substitute holiday by Royal Proclamation on 28 December. Effectively what happens is that if a holiday falls at the weekend a substitute day is given in lieu.
Only four days cover all [[countries of the United Kingdom]] which are: [[New Year's Day]], [[May Day|May Day Bank Holiday]], [[Christmas Day]] and [[Boxing Day]], most other holidays are decided upon each of the four nations in the UK, which do not always coincide with bank holidays instead observing traditional local custom and practice for their public holidays.


Like [[Denmark]], the United Kingdom has no national day holiday marked and/or celebrated for its formal founding date. Increasingly, there are calls for public holidays on the [[Feast day|patron saints' days]] in [[England]], [[Scotland]] and [[Wales]] ([[Northern Ireland]] already has [[St Patrick's Day]] as a holiday). An online petition sent to the Prime Minister received 11,000 signatures for a public holiday in Wales on [[St. David's Day]]; the Scottish Parliament has passed a bill creating a public holiday on [[St. Andrew's Day]] although it must be taken in lieu of another public holiday;<ref name="St Andrew">[http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/standrewsdaybill St Andrew's Day Bill]</ref> campaigners in England are calling for a bank holiday on [[St. George's Day]]; and in [[Cornwall]], there are calls for a public holiday on [[St Piran's Day|St. Piran's Day]].{{citation needed|date=May 2013}}
Like [[Denmark]], the United Kingdom has no national day holiday marked and/or celebrated for its formal founding date. Increasingly, there are calls for public holidays on the [[Feast day|patron saints' days]] in [[England]], [[Scotland]] and [[Wales]] ([[Northern Ireland]] already has [[St Patrick's Day]] as a holiday). An online petition sent to the Prime Minister received 11,000 signatures for a public holiday in Wales on [[St. David's Day]]; the Scottish Parliament has passed a bill creating a public holiday on [[St. Andrew's Day]] although it must be taken in lieu of another public holiday;<ref name="St Andrew">[http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/standrewsdaybill St Andrew's Day Bill]</ref> campaigners in England are calling for a bank holiday on [[St. George's Day]]; and in [[Cornwall]], there are calls for a public holiday on [[St Piran's Day|St. Piran's Day]].{{citation needed|date=May 2013}}


⚫
The problem here is an excess of public holidays in the spring. There was a special holiday on Friday, 29 April 2011 (i.e. six days after St George's Day) to celebrate the [[wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton]]. The previous week was a four-day week because of [[Good Friday]], that week was a three-day week because of [[Easter Monday]] and the following week was a four-day week because of [[May Day]].<ref>{{cite web | title = PM announces a public holiday for the Royal Wedding | url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11822835 | publisher = [[BBC News]] | date = 23 November 2010 | accessdate = 21 August 2015}}</ref> Furthermore, the Royal bank holiday fell in the weeks that follow the usual two-week school Easter holiday. Many parts of Scotland did not take this holiday. In England, there is a preference to take a bank holiday on a Monday, so it is difficult to see how a holiday for St George's Day would fit in.
==Difference==
==Difference==


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[[Bank holiday]]s may be declared in two ways:
[[Bank holiday]]s may be declared in two ways:
* by statute ('''Statutory holidays''') - Holidays specifically listed in the [http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1971/80 Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, Schedule 1].<ref>[http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1971/80 Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971], Sec.1(1), Retrieved 2011-10-26</ref>
* by statute ('''Statutory holidays''') - Holidays specifically listed in the [http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1971/80 Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, Schedule 1].<ref>[http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1971/80 Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971], Sec.1(1), Retrieved 2011-10-26</ref>
* by '''[[Royal proclamation]]''' - This has been used for annual bank holidays created since 1971, and is also used to move a bank holiday in a given year,<ref>[http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1971/80 Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971], Sec.1(2), Retrieved 2011-10-26</ref> and to create extra one-off bank holidays for special occasions.<ref>[http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1971/80 Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971], Sec.1(3), Retrieved 2011-10-26</ref> (The Act does not provide for a bank holiday to be suppressed by royal proclamation without appointing another day in its place.)
* by '''[[Royal proclamation]]''' - This has been used for annual bank holidays created since 1971, and is also used to move a bank holiday in a given year,<ref>[http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1971/80 Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971], Sec.1(2), Retrieved 2011-10-26</ref> and to create extra one-off bank holidays for special occasions.<ref>[http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1971/80 Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971], Sec.1(3), Retrieved 2011-10-26</ref> (The Act does not provide for a bank holiday to be suppressed by royal proclamation without appointing another day in its place).<ref>[http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/Timeoffandholidays/DG_073741Direct.gov - Bank holidays and British Summer Time], Retrieved 2011-10-26</ref>


⚫
Unlike the USA, where public holidays falling on a Saturday are sometimes observed on the preceding Friday, British public holidays are always moved to a ''later'' date, not an earlier one).<ref name="weatherfaqs">[http://weatherfaqs.org.uk/node/170 UK Bank Holidays], Retrieved 2011-10-26</ref><ref name="answerbank">[http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Phrases-and-Sayings/article/why-are-bank-holidays-called-bank-holidays/ Why are bank holidays called bank holidays], Retrieved 2011-10-26</ref><ref name="whenis">[http://www.whenis.co.uk/when-is/bank-holiday-dates.php When is the next Bank Holiday?], Retrieved 2011-10-26</ref><ref name="bis">[http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/employment-matters/rights/bank-holidays Department for Business Innovation & Skills: Bank holidays and British summertime], Retrieved 2011-10-26</ref>
When a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the holiday is normally postponed to the next following working [[weekday]], which is then referred to as a 'substitute public holiday' or the date on which the public holiday is "observed".<ref>[http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/Timeoffandholidays/DG_073741 Direct.gov - Bank holidays and British Summer Time], Retrieved 2011-10-26</ref> This is normally the next following Monday, but if that day is itself already a public holiday or a substitute public holiday, then it may be the following Tuesday. Most commonly this happens when [[Christmas Day]] falls on a Saturday or Sunday, in which case the two public holidays (for Christmas Day and Boxing Day) will be on the following Monday and Tuesday. In this way, public holidays are not 'lost' on years when they coincide with [[weekend]]s (which will already be a day off for many people). (Unlike the USA, where public holidays falling on a Saturday are sometimes observed on the preceding Friday, British public holidays are always moved to a ''later'' date, not an earlier one.)

⚫
Christmas Day and Good Friday are not defined in any statute as holidays, but are long established as such in [[common law]].<ref name="weatherfaqs">[http://weatherfaqs.org.uk/node/170 UK Bank Holidays], Retrieved 2011-10-26</ref><ref name="answerbank">[http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Phrases-and-Sayings/article/why-are-bank-holidays-called-bank-holidays/ Why are bank holidays called bank holidays], Retrieved 2011-10-26</ref><ref name="whenis">[http://www.whenis.co.uk/when-is/bank-holiday-dates.php When is the next Bank Holiday?], Retrieved 2011-10-26</ref><ref name="bis">[http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/employment-matters/rights/bank-holidays Department for Business Innovation & Skills: Bank holidays and British summertime], Retrieved 2011-10-26</ref>


==Workers' rights==
==Workers' rights==
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! Date !! Name !! Notes
! Date !! Name !! Notes
|-
|-
| 1 January || [[New Year's Day]] || from 1974, by Royal proclamation annually<ref name="weatherfaqs" /><ref name="answerbank" /><ref name="whenis" /><ref name="bis" />
| 1 January || [[New Year's Day]] || from 1974, by Royal Proclamation. Currently not proclaimed if 1 January falls on Saturday or Sunday.<ref name="weatherfaqs" /><ref name="answerbank" /><ref name="whenis" /><ref name="bis" />
|-
|-
| 2 January || not named || By Royal Proclamation, only in a year in which 1 January is Sunday.
|-
| 3 January || not named || By Royal Proclamation, only in a year in which 1 January is Saturday.
|-
| 17 March || [[St. Patrick's Day]] || [[Northern Ireland]] only <small>(this was not an officially recognised public holiday in Northern Ireland until the peace process was signed and from thereon was recognised)</small>
| 17 March || [[St. Patrick's Day]] || [[Northern Ireland]] only <small>(this was not an officially recognised public holiday in Northern Ireland until the peace process was signed and from thereon was recognised)</small>
|-
|-
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| [[Easter Monday]] || Statutory bank holiday, defined by name.<ref name="sch1">[http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1971/80 Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971], Schedule 1, Retrieved 2011-10-26</ref>
| [[Easter Monday]] || Statutory bank holiday, defined by name.<ref name="sch1">[http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1971/80 Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971], Schedule 1, Retrieved 2011-10-26</ref>
|-
|-
| First Monday in May || [[May Day|May Day Bank Holiday]] || from 1978, by Royal proclamation annually<ref name="weatherfaqs" /><ref name="answerbank" /><ref name="whenis" /><ref name="bis" />
| First Monday in May || [[May Day|May Day Bank Holiday]] || from 1978, by Royal Proclamation annually<ref name="weatherfaqs" /><ref name="answerbank" /><ref name="whenis" /><ref name="bis" />
|-
|-
| Last Monday in May || Spring Bank Holiday || Statutory bank holiday from 1971,<ref name="sch1" /> following a trial period from 1965 to 1970. Replaced [[Whit Monday]], which was formerly a public holiday whose date varied according to the date of Easter.<ref name="sch1" /><ref>[http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/uk/spring-bank-holiday Time and Date: Spring Bank Holiday in United Kingdom], Retrieved 2011-10-26.</ref><ref>[http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/uk/whit-monday Time and Date: Whit Monday in United Kingdom], Retrieved 2011-10-26.</ref> The legislation does not specify a ''name'' for the holiday, merely when it occurs.
| Last Monday in May || Spring Bank Holiday || Statutory bank holiday from 1971,<ref name="sch1" /> following a trial period from 1965 to 1970. Replaced [[Whit Monday]], which was formerly a public holiday whose date varied according to the date of Easter.<ref name="sch1" /><ref>[http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/uk/spring-bank-holiday Time and Date: Spring Bank Holiday in United Kingdom], Retrieved 2011-10-26.</ref><ref>[http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/uk/whit-monday Time and Date: Whit Monday in United Kingdom], Retrieved 2011-10-26.</ref> The legislation does not specify a ''name'' for the holiday, merely when it occurs.
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| 26 December (see Notes) || [[Boxing Day]] || Statutory bank holiday. Legislation does not ''name'' the holiday, but states that it falls on "26th December, if it be not a Sunday."<ref name="sch1" />
| 26 December (see Notes) || [[Boxing Day]] || Statutory bank holiday. Legislation does not ''name'' the holiday, but states that it falls on "26th December, if it be not a Sunday."<ref name="sch1" />
|-
|-
| 27 December || not named || Statutory bank holiday only in a year in which 25 December is either on a Saturday or Sunday.<ref name="sch1" /> This has the effect of adding an extra holiday when Christmas Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday.
| 27 December || not named || Statutory bank holiday only in a year in which 25 December is either on a Saturday or Sunday.<ref name="sch1" /> This has the effect of adding an extra holiday when Christmas Day falls on a Sunday.
|-
|-
| 28 December || not named || By royal proclamation ([https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/2370676 example for 2015]), customary only in a year in which 26 December is either on a Saturday or Sunday. This has the effect of adding an extra holiday when Boxing Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday.
| 28 December || not named || By Royal Proclamation ([https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/2370676 example for 2015]). This is an extra holiday added when either Christmas Day or Boxing Day falls on a Saturday.
|-
|-
|'''Total''' || 8 (England & Wales)<br>10 (Northern Ireland) ||
|'''Total''' || 8 (England & Wales)<br>10 (Northern Ireland) ||
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[[File:Wedding cake, Buckingham palace 'poppy drop' during the 50th year VE - VJ day celebrations. MOD 45137359.jpg|thumb|upright|In 1995 the May Bank Holiday was moved to 8 May for the 50th anniversary of [[VE Day]]]]
[[File:Wedding cake, Buckingham palace 'poppy drop' during the 50th year VE - VJ day celebrations. MOD 45137359.jpg|thumb|upright|In 1995 the May Bank Holiday was moved to 8 May for the 50th anniversary of [[VE Day]]]]
Notes:
Notes:
* In 1968–69 the new "August" bank holiday fell in September, presumably reflecting a definition at that time as Monday after the last Saturday.
* In 1968–69 the new "August" bank holiday fell in September. This was as a result of the decision to move the holiday to the end of the month, and the nearest Monday being taken.


* 7 June 1977 was made a special bank holiday as part of the [[Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II]].<ref>{{cite web | title = The Silver Jubilee: 25 Facts| url = http://www.royal.gov.uk/HMTheQueen/TheQueenandspecialanniversaries/Factfiles/TheSilverJubilee25Facts.aspx | publisher = The [[British monarchy]] | accessdate = 20 August 2015}}</ref>
* 7 June 1977 was made a special bank holiday as part of the [[Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II]].<ref>{{cite web | title = The Silver Jubilee: 25 Facts| url = http://www.royal.gov.uk/HMTheQueen/TheQueenandspecialanniversaries/Factfiles/TheSilverJubilee25Facts.aspx | publisher = The [[British monarchy]] | accessdate = 20 August 2015}}</ref>
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* In 2002, there was a special holiday on Monday, 3 June, to celebrate the [[Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II]]. The Spring Bank Holiday was moved from 27 May to 4 June to make it a four-day weekend.<ref>{{cite web | title = 'Extra holiday' for Queen's jubilee | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1038809.stm | publisher = [[BBC News]] | date = 24 November 2000 | accessdate = 18 August 2015}}</ref>
* In 2002, there was a special holiday on Monday, 3 June, to celebrate the [[Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II]]. The Spring Bank Holiday was moved from 27 May to 4 June to make it a four-day weekend.<ref>{{cite web | title = 'Extra holiday' for Queen's jubilee | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1038809.stm | publisher = [[BBC News]] | date = 24 November 2000 | accessdate = 18 August 2015}}</ref>


* There was a special holiday on Friday, 29 April 2011 to celebrate the [[wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton]].
⚫
* There was a special holiday on Friday, 29 April 2011 to celebrate the [[wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton]], thereby making the previous week a four-day week because of [[Good Friday]], that week a three-day week because of [[Easter Monday]] and the following week a four-day week because of [[May Day]].<ref>{{cite web | title = PM announces a public holiday for the Royal Wedding | url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11822835 | publisher = [[BBC News]] | date = 23 November 2010 | accessdate = 21 August 2015}}</ref> Furthermore, the royal bank holiday falls in the weeks that follow the usual two-week school Easter holiday. Many parts of Scotland did not take this holiday.


* In 2012, there was a special holiday on Tuesday, 5 June, to celebrate the [[Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II]]. Therefore, to make it a four-day weekend, the Spring Bank Holiday that would usually have occurred at the end of May was pushed forward to Monday, 4 June 2012.<ref>{{cite web | first = Kevin | last = Peachey | title = Diamond Jubilee: Your rights to a day off work| url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-18074125 | publisher = [[BBC News]] | date = 20 May 2012 | accessdate = 21 August 2015}}</ref>
* In 2012, there was a special holiday on Tuesday, 5 June, to celebrate the [[Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II]]. Therefore, to make it a four-day weekend, the Spring Bank Holiday that would usually have occurred at the end of May was delayed until Monday, 4 June 2012.<ref>{{cite web | first = Kevin | last = Peachey | title = Diamond Jubilee: Your rights to a day off work| url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-18074125 | publisher = [[BBC News]] | date = 20 May 2012 | accessdate = 21 August 2015}}</ref>


==Scotland==
==Scotland==

Revision as of 13:45, 30 November 2015

Public holidays in the United Kingdom, commonly referred to as bank holidays, are days where most businesses and non - essential services are closed although an increasing number of retail businesses (especially the larger ones) do open on some of the public holidays. There are restrictions on trading on Sundays and Christmas Day.

Three public holidays are common to all countries of the United Kingdom. These are: New Year's Day, the first Monday in May, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Some banks open on some bank holidays. In Scotland, while New Year's Day and Christmas Day are national holidays, other bank holidays are not necessarily public holidays, since the Scots instead observe traditional local custom and practice for their public holidays. In Northern Ireland, once again, bank holidays other than New Year's Day and Christmas Day are not necessarily public holidays. Good Friday and Christmas Day are common law holidays, except in Scotland, where they are bank holidays.[1][2][3][4] In Scotland the holiday on 1 January (or 2 January if 1 January is Sunday) is statutory. If it falls on Saturday, 3 January is given by Royal Proclamation. 2 January is given by Royal Proclamation, with a substitute holiday on 4 January if it is Saturday and 3 January if it is Sunday. Outside Scotland, 1 January is given by Royal Proclamation, or 3 January if it is Saturday and 2 January if it is Sunday. In Scotland, 25 December is a statutory holiday (or 26 December if Christmas Day falls on a Sunday). 26 December is given by Royal Proclamation if it is neither Saturday, Sunday or Monday. 27 and 28 December are given by Royal Proclamation if Christmas Day is Saturday. 27 December only is given if Boxing Day is Saturday. Outside Scotland, if Christmas Day is a Sunday there is an additional statutory holiday on 27 December. By Royal Proclamation, if Christmas Day is a Saturday there is a substitute holiday on 28 December. If Boxing Day is a Sunday there is again a statutory holiday on 27 December, and if Boxing Day is a Saturday there is a substitute holiday by Royal Proclamation on 28 December. Effectively what happens is that if a holiday falls at the weekend a substitute day is given in lieu.

Like Denmark, the United Kingdom has no national day holiday marked and/or celebrated for its formal founding date. Increasingly, there are calls for public holidays on the patron saints' days in England, Scotland and Wales (Northern Ireland already has St Patrick's Day as a holiday). An online petition sent to the Prime Minister received 11,000 signatures for a public holiday in Wales on St. David's Day; the Scottish Parliament has passed a bill creating a public holiday on St. Andrew's Day although it must be taken in lieu of another public holiday;[5] campaigners in England are calling for a bank holiday on St. George's Day; and in Cornwall, there are calls for a public holiday on St. Piran's Day.[citation needed]

The problem here is an excess of public holidays in the spring. There was a special holiday on Friday, 29 April 2011 (i.e. six days after St George's Day) to celebrate the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. The previous week was a four-day week because of Good Friday, that week was a three-day week because of Easter Monday and the following week was a four-day week because of May Day.[6] Furthermore, the Royal bank holiday fell in the weeks that follow the usual two-week school Easter holiday. Many parts of Scotland did not take this holiday. In England, there is a preference to take a bank holiday on a Monday, so it is difficult to see how a holiday for St George's Day would fit in.

Difference

The two terms are often used interchangeably, although strictly and legally there is a difference. A government website describes the difference as follows:

Bank holidays are holidays when banks and many other businesses are closed for the day. Public holidays are holidays which have been observed through custom and practice.

Bank holidays may be declared in two ways:

  • by statute (Statutory holidays) - Holidays specifically listed in the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, Schedule 1.[7]
  • by Royal proclamation - This has been used for annual bank holidays created since 1971, and is also used to move a bank holiday in a given year,[8] and to create extra one-off bank holidays for special occasions.[9] (The Act does not provide for a bank holiday to be suppressed by royal proclamation without appointing another day in its place).[10]

Unlike the USA, where public holidays falling on a Saturday are sometimes observed on the preceding Friday, British public holidays are always moved to a later date, not an earlier one).[1][2][3][4]

Workers' rights

Although there is no statutory right for workers to take paid leave on public holidays, where paid leave is given (either because the business is closed or for other reasons), the public holiday can count towards the minimum statutory holiday entitlement. Likewise, if people are required to work on a public holiday, there is no statutory right to an enhanced pay rate nor to a day off in lieu, although many employers do give either or both. Any rights in this respect depend on the person's contract of employment.[11] The statutory minimum holidays are currently 5.6 weeks a year (including any bank holidays or public holidays that are taken).[12]

England, Northern Ireland and Wales

Date Name Notes
1 January New Year's Day from 1974, by Royal Proclamation. Currently not proclaimed if 1 January falls on Saturday or Sunday.[1][2][3][4]
2 January not named By Royal Proclamation, only in a year in which 1 January is Sunday.
3 January not named By Royal Proclamation, only in a year in which 1 January is Saturday.
17 March St. Patrick's Day Northern Ireland only (this was not an officially recognised public holiday in Northern Ireland until the peace process was signed and from thereon was recognised)
variable Good Friday Traditional common law holiday[1][2][3][4]
Easter Monday Statutory bank holiday, defined by name.[13]
First Monday in May May Day Bank Holiday from 1978, by Royal Proclamation annually[1][2][3][4]
Last Monday in May Spring Bank Holiday Statutory bank holiday from 1971,[13] following a trial period from 1965 to 1970. Replaced Whit Monday, which was formerly a public holiday whose date varied according to the date of Easter.[13][14][15] The legislation does not specify a name for the holiday, merely when it occurs.
12 July Battle of the Boyne (Orangeman's Day)[16] Northern Ireland only
Last Monday in August Late Summer Bank Holiday Statutory bank holiday from 1971,[13] following a trial period from 1965 to 1970. Replaced the first Monday in August (formerly commonly known as "August Bank Holiday".[1][4][13] The legislation does not specify a name for the holiday, merely when it occurs.
25 December Christmas Day Traditional common law holiday[1][2][3][4]
26 December (see Notes) Boxing Day Statutory bank holiday. Legislation does not name the holiday, but states that it falls on "26th December, if it be not a Sunday."[13]
27 December not named Statutory bank holiday only in a year in which 25 December is either on a Saturday or Sunday.[13] This has the effect of adding an extra holiday when Christmas Day falls on a Sunday.
28 December not named By Royal Proclamation (example for 2015). This is an extra holiday added when either Christmas Day or Boxing Day falls on a Saturday.
Total 8 (England & Wales)
10 (Northern Ireland)
In 1995 the May Bank Holiday was moved to 8 May for the 50th anniversary of VE Day

Notes:

  • In 1968–69 the new "August" bank holiday fell in September. This was as a result of the decision to move the holiday to the end of the month, and the nearest Monday being taken.
  • In 1995 the May Day bank holiday was moved to 8 May as it was the 50th anniversary of VE Day.[19]
  • 31 December 1999 was a one-off bank holiday as part of the Millennium celebrations.[20]
  • In 2002, there was a special holiday on Monday, 3 June, to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II. The Spring Bank Holiday was moved from 27 May to 4 June to make it a four-day weekend.[21]
  • In 2012, there was a special holiday on Tuesday, 5 June, to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II. Therefore, to make it a four-day weekend, the Spring Bank Holiday that would usually have occurred at the end of May was delayed until Monday, 4 June 2012.[22]

Scotland

Main article: Public and bank holidays in Scotland

Most bank holidays are not recognised in Scotland, as public holidays are generally determined by local authorities across Scotland. Some of these may be taken in lieu of statutory holidays while others may be additional holidays, although many companies, including Royal Mail, do not follow all the holidays listed below, and many swap between English and local holidays.

Since Easter 1996 the Scottish clearing banks have harmonised the days on which they are closed with those in England and Wales and are therefore closed on Easter Monday and the last Monday in August (rather than the first). This has resulted in a number of local authorities creating a public holiday on Easter Monday. Previously Easter Monday had not been a public holiday in Scotland.

There have been many protests about banks opening on 2 January since this decision was taken.[citation needed] This has resulted in many banks now providing only a limited service on 2 January, with most members of staff still entitled to the holiday

Date Name Major towns/cities (not an exhaustive list)
1 January New Year's Day all
2 January
1st Monday in February Winter Holiday Inverness
1st Monday in March Inverness
Last Monday in March Lochaber
Easter holiday (variable) Good Friday Ayr, Dumfries and Galloway, East Dunbartonshire, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Inverclyde, Kilmarnock, Paisley, Stirling, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire
Easter Monday Ayr, Edinburgh, Falkirk, East Dunbartonshire, Glasgow, Inverclyde, Kilmarnock, North Lanarkshire, Paisley, Stirling, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire
1st Monday in April Spring Holiday Carnoustie and Monifieth area, Dundee, Fife, Scottish Borders, Inverness, Perth,
2nd Monday in April Angus, expect Carnoustie and Monifieth area, Elgin
3rd Monday in April, or preceding week if would otherwise coincide with Easter Monday Edinburgh
Monday in April; date varies from year to year Aberdeen
Last Monday in April Inverclyde
1st Monday in May Labour Day or Early May Bank Holiday all
Tuesday after 1st Monday in May Victoria Day (*)/Spring Holiday Clydebank, Stirling
Last Monday strictly before 24 May Edinburgh*
4th Monday in May Perth*
Last Monday in May Ayr, Dundee*, East Dunbartonshire, Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, Paisley*, South Lanarkshire
1st Monday in June Galashiels, Inverclyde, Fife
Tuesday after 2nd Thursday in June Linlithgow Marches Linlithgow
Second Thursday in June Lanimer Day Lanark area only
Last Monday in June Fair Holiday Elgin
Saturday preceding 1st Monday in July Edinburgh
1st Monday in July Falkirk, Inverness
1st Friday in July Braw Lads Gathering Galashiels
2nd Monday in July Fair Holiday Aberdeen
3rd Monday in July Arbroath, Fife, East Dunbartonshire, Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire except Lanark
4th Friday in July Scottish Borders
Last Monday in July Dundee
1st Monday in August Paisley
1st Monday in September Late Summer Holiday Elgin, Inverclyde
2nd Monday in September Battle of Stirling Bridge Falkirk, Perth, Stirling
3rd Friday in September Ayr Gold Cup Ayr, Kilmarnock
Monday after 3rd Friday in September Ayr, Kilmarnock
3rd Monday in September Autumn Holiday Edinburgh
Last Monday in September Aberdeen, Angus except Carnoustie and Monifieth area, East Dunbartonshire, Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, Paisley, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire
1st Monday in October Carnoustie and Monifieth area, Dundee, Inverness, Perth
2nd Monday in October Scottish Borders
3rd Monday in October Elgin, Fife
1st Monday in November Samhain holiday Inverness
30 November St. Andrew's Day To be taken in lieu
of one of the other statutory holidays at discretion of individual companies/authorities.[5]		 an official holiday in Angus, Fife, Scottish Borders
25 December Christmas Day all
26 December Boxing Day all

Official bank holidays are:

Date Name
1 January New Year's Day
2 January New Year Holiday
variable Good Friday
1st Monday in May May Day
Last Monday in May Spring Holiday
1st Monday in August Summer Holiday
30 November St. Andrew's Day
25 December Christmas Day
26 December Boxing Day
Total 9

[23]

Note: In 2012, there was a special holiday on Tuesday, 5 June, to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II. Most areas in Scotland did not have Monday 4 June as a holiday.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g UK Bank Holidays, Retrieved 2011-10-26
  2. ^ a b c d e f Why are bank holidays called bank holidays, Retrieved 2011-10-26
  3. ^ a b c d e f When is the next Bank Holiday?, Retrieved 2011-10-26
  4. ^ a b c d e f g Department for Business Innovation & Skills: Bank holidays and British summertime, Retrieved 2011-10-26
  5. ^ a b St Andrew's Day Bill
  6. ^ "PM announces a public holiday for the Royal Wedding". BBC News. 23 November 2010. Retrieved 21 August 2015.
  7. ^ Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, Sec.1(1), Retrieved 2011-10-26
  8. ^ Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, Sec.1(2), Retrieved 2011-10-26
  9. ^ Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, Sec.1(3), Retrieved 2011-10-26
  10. ^ - Bank holidays and British Summer Time, Retrieved 2011-10-26
  11. ^ Direct.gov - Holiday entitlements: the basics, Retrieved 2011-10-26
  12. ^ http://www.citation.co.uk/employment-law/holiday-entitlement Holiday Entitlement
  13. ^ a b c d e f g Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, Schedule 1, Retrieved 2011-10-26
  14. ^ Time and Date: Spring Bank Holiday in United Kingdom, Retrieved 2011-10-26.
  15. ^ Time and Date: Whit Monday in United Kingdom, Retrieved 2011-10-26.
  16. ^ "Bank Holidays". NI Direct. Retrieved 25 March 2012.
  17. ^ "The Silver Jubilee: 25 Facts". The British monarchy. Retrieved 20 August 2015.
  18. ^ "1981: Charles and Diana marry". BBC News. 2008. Retrieved 20 August 2015.
  19. ^ "Early May Bank Holiday in United Kingdom". timeanddate.com. Retrieved 21 August 2015.
  20. ^ "UK Extra millennium holiday confirmed". BBC News. 23 June 1999. Retrieved 20 August 2015.
  21. ^ "'Extra holiday' for Queen's jubilee". BBC News. 24 November 2000. Retrieved 18 August 2015.
  22. ^ Peachey, Kevin (20 May 2012). "Diamond Jubilee: Your rights to a day off work". BBC News. Retrieved 21 August 2015.
  23. ^ BANK HOLIDAYS (STATUTORY) IN SCOTLAND
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Public_holidays_in_the_United_Kingdom&oldid=693109986"