BANK HOLIDAYS IN THE UK, YEAR 2023 & 2024
This page contains a calendar of all Bank Holidays in the UK 2023. Please check back regularly for updates on these dates, as official changes may modify them.
UK Bank Holidays 2023 are official public holidays designated by the government. They offer everyone a chance to take paid time off and enjoy valuable moments of relaxation, quality time with family and friends, and engaging in a variety of festivities.
These holidays have a significant impact on businesses, schools, and public services, with celebrations including traditions like picnics and outdoor activities.
This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission. Thank you for your support!
Eligibility and Benefits:
Employers commonly provide uk bank holidays as paid time off; however, employees have the flexibility to decide whether to take them.
Unlike annual leave, bank holidays do not count towards your annual leave entitlement.
According to Payfit.com, When it comes to annual leave, many people think that out of the 28 days, they automatically get eight days off for bank holidays.
But here’s the truth: “Employers in the UK don’t have to pay you for taking time off on bank holidays. It’s up to your employer to decide when you can take your annual leave, including bank holidays”.
So, legally speaking, you don’t have the right to get paid for bank holidays.
If you choose to work on a bank holiday, you may receive additional pay or time off.
To determine your eligibility and understand your rights regarding bank holidays, it’s advisable to consult the Employment Rights Clearinghouse.
How much do UK bank holidays cost?
Employers actively provide paid bank holidays, allowing employees to plan better.
Taking them is optional, giving individuals the flexibility to work part-time. Bank holidays add to your minimum leave entitlement, but remember the limited number of days available.
Contact the Employment Rights Clearinghouse to determine eligibility for a bank holiday week. In Scotland, claim two weeks’ worth of bank holidays for proper entitlement.
To maximize holiday benefits, consider additional factors. Seize the opportunity to make the most of your valuable time off.
Planning Your Bank Holidays:
Calculating holiday pay can be quite a daunting task for companies, and it’s something they have to tackle every month.
To make the most of your bank holidays, effective planning is key. Consider using a Link Scheduler Generator to streamline your calendar and manage your time efficiently.
This tool simplifies scheduling and event planning, ensuring you don’t miss out on any exciting activities or experiences during your bank holidays.
Bank Holidays in the UK
Bank Holidays in the UK play an important role in providing designated days off for everyone. They are part of the bank holiday system, which grants paid time off for various celebrations. In 2023, the UK will observe a list of holidays including Good Friday, Easter Monday, May Day, Spring Bank Holiday, Summer Bank Holiday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. These UK bank holidays offer a chance to relax, engage in festivities, and spend quality time with loved ones.
Bank holidays in England and Wales(2023)
| DATE / MONTH | DAY | HOLIDAY |
|---|---|---|
| 7 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 10 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 1 May | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 8 May | Monday | Bank holiday for the coronation of King Charles III |
| 29 May | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 28 August | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| 25 December | Monday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Tuesday | Boxing Day |
Bank holidays in Scotland(2023)
| DATE / MONTH | DAY | HOLIDAY |
|---|---|---|
| 7 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 1 May | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 8 May | Monday | Bank holiday for the coronation of King Charles III |
| 29 May | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 7 August | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| 30 November | Thursday | St Andrew’s Day |
| 25 December | Monday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Tuesday | Boxing Day |
Bank holidays in Northern Ireland(2023)
| DATE / MONTH | DAY | HOLIDAY |
|---|---|---|
| 7 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 10 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 1 May | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 8 May | Monday | Bank holiday for the coronation of King Charles III |
| 29 May | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 12 July | Wednesday | Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) |
| 28 August | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| 25 December | Monday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Tuesday | Boxing Day |
There are differences between England and Scotland when it comes to bank holidays. In England and Wales, you can claim bank holidays up to five times a year, whereas in Scotland, it is limited to once a year. Scotland also provides for more paid annual leave than England and Wales do. The laws relating to England and Wales also apply when it comes to bank holidays. Bank holidays are often cheaper, making it worthwhile to sign up for paid leave and receive extra money during your annual leave.
If you’re traveling or need to know the time difference in other countries, a Time Difference Calculator can help you easily determine the time gap. It’s a helpful tool for planning your activities or meetings across different time zones.
Celebrating UK Bank Holidays
Source: TheTechBrain Ai
UK Bank Holidays have a significant impact on businesses, schools, and public services. Retail sales during bank holiday weekends increase by an average of 30%.
Schools utilize bank holidays as a break for students and teachers, coinciding with school vacations for family trips. Essential public services continue but may adjust staffing levels to meet fluctuating demand.
Celebrations include traditions like picnics and outdoor activities. Family and social gatherings are emphasized, with 78% of people prioritizing quality time during bank holiday weekends.
Bank Holidays in the UK 2024
This page contains a calendar of all 2024 bank holidays for the UK. These dates may be modified as official changes are announced, so please check back regularly for updates
Bank holidays in the UK are a key aspect of the annual calendar, providing opportunities for people to take time off and relax. In 2024, there will be a total of 8 bank holidays in England and Wales, 9 in Scotland, and 9 in Northern Ireland and Ireland.
Bank holidays in England and Wales(2024)
| DATE / MONTH | DAY | HOLIDAY |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Monday | New Year’s Day |
| 29 March | Friday | Good Friday |
| 1 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 6 May | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 27 May | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 26 August | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| 25 December | Wednesday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Thursday | Boxing Day |
Bank holidays in Scotland(2024)
According to scotland.org.uk Bank holidays in Scotland hold great significance, offering opportunities for both locals and tourists to engage in cultural festivities and explore the country’s rich heritage. In 2024, Scotland will have a total of 9 bank holidays. The Edinburgh Hogmanay celebration on New Year’s Eve attracts around 75,000 visitors from around the world, making it a highly popular event.
The Highland Games, a traditional Scottish sporting event, attract thousands of participants and spectators annually. These events contribute to Scotland’s vibrant culture and play a crucial role in its thriving tourism industry.
| DATE / MONTH | DAY | HOLIDAY |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Monday | New Year’s Day |
| 2 January | Tuesday | 2nd January |
| 29 March | Friday | Good Friday |
| 6 May | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 27 May | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 5 August | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| 2 December | Monday | St Andrew’s Day (substitute day) |
| 25 December | Wednesday | Christmas day |
| 26 December | Thursday | Boxing Day |
Bank holidays in Northern Ireland(2024)
These holidays have notable festivities or customs associated with them in Northern Ireland. For instance, According to belfasttelegraph.co.uk Saint Patrick’s Day on March 18 is a celebration of the patron saint of Ireland and typically involves parades and cultural events. The Battle of the Boyne on July 12 commemorates a historical event and is marked by processions and cultural traditions.
| DATE / MONTH | DAY | HOLIDAY |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Monday | New Year’s Day |
| 18 March | Monday | St Patrick’s Day(substitute day) |
| 29 March | Friday | Good Friday |
| 1 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 6 May | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 27 May | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 12 July | Friday | Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) |
| 26 August | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| 25 December | Wednesday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Thursday | Boxing Day |
How much do bank holidays cost?
Employers commonly provide bank holidays as paid time off, but employees are not obligated to take them as a benefit. This allows for better planning, unlike the eligibility for annual leave.
Individuals often choose to work part-time on bank holidays. Bank holidays contribute to your minimum leave entitlement, but remember that you have a limited number of days available. To determine your eligibility for a bank holiday week, you should contact the Employment Rights Clearinghouse.
Read also this article CHECK YOUR TAX CODE – AND WHAT TO DO IF IT IS WRONG
Public holidays are a different thing altogether. You will usually be able to claim two weeks’ worth of bank holidays, not just one. To ensure you receive the proper bank holiday entitlement in Scotland, remember to allocate two weeks for this purpose. Additionally, there are other considerations to maximize your holiday benefits.
Financial Insights: How Accountants Can Help
Makesworth Accountants is a professional firm that offers valuable financial services. They assist individuals and businesses with proactive financial planning, resulting in an average tax savings of 15%. With their support, businesses improve financial deadline compliance rates from 74% to 95%. Makesworth Accountants also provides payroll management support and expert financial guidance, helping clients achieve financial success.
- Proactive Financial Planning: Makesworth Accountants help individuals and businesses with proactive financial planning, ensuring optimized financial strategies to achieve financial goals.
- Tax Advice and Savings: They offer expert tax advice, maximizing tax savings for businesses and individuals, with an average tax savings of 15%.
- Financial Deadline Compliance: Makesworth Accountants assist businesses in meeting financial deadlines, resulting in a 95% compliance rate compared to the 74% rate without professional assistance.
- Payroll Management Support: They provide support with payroll management to help businesses avoid costly errors and ensure smooth operations.
- Expert Financial Guidance: With Makesworth Accountants, individuals and businesses gain access to professional financial guidance and expertise, helping them make informed financial decisions.
Additionally, businesses working with accountants have a 95% compliance rate for meeting financial deadlines compared to 74% without professional assistance. Accountants also provide support with payroll management, helping businesses avoid costly errors.
Engaging the services of Makesworth Accountants can greatly benefit individuals and businesses by providing professional financial guidance supported by proven statistics.
Exploring UK’s Historical Sites on Bank Holidays
You can explore the rich history of the UK by visiting historical sites during holidays. Immerse yourself in the stories and cultural heritage of iconic landmarks like Stonehenge, London, which offer the opportunity to discover hidden gems or Edinburgh Castle.
These sites offer glimpses into the past and provide memorable experiences for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
Enjoying Cultural Festivities During Bank Holidays:
Make the most of UK holidays by participating in cultural festivals and celebrations across the entire country.
You can experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Notting Hill Carnival, the world’s second-largest street festival in London.
Its vibrant celebration starts on the last Sunday of August (August 27th, 2023) and continues until the following Monday (August 28th, 2023), with the Grand Costume Parade on Sunday and Children’s Day on Monday.
In 2024, the Notting Hill Carnival is scheduled to take place on the following dates in the UK:
- Start Date: Sunday, August 25th, 2024
- End Date: Monday, August 26th, 2024
You can also immerse yourself in the arts at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the largest arts festival in the world.
Unwinding at Coastal Destinations:
You can escape to coastal destinations for a relaxing bank holiday getaway. Head to Brighton, known for its vibrant pier, pebble beach, and independent shops. Explore Scarborough, a classic seaside town with sandy beaches and picturesque views.
Engaging in Adventure Sports and Outdoor Activities:
source: TheTechBrain Ai
You can also enjoy your uk public holidays by participating in adventure sports and outdoor activities. Discover exhilarating hiking trails in the Lake District, try your hand at mountain biking in the Scottish Highlands, or engage in thrilling water sports along the coastline or in picturesque lakes. Enjoy the excitement of these adventures while building strength and improving your abilities!”
Discovering Hidden Gems in Rural Escapes:
You can spend your bank holidays in country parks or national parks, such as the Peak District or the Brecon Beacons, and appreciate the untouched natural beauty all around you. Visit picturesque villages like Bibury in the Cotswolds or Betws-y-Coed in Snowdonia National Park and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the landscapes.
Indulging in Spa Retreats and Wellness Getaways:
Take some time for yourself and enjoy relaxation and rejuvenation at spa retreats or wellness centers during bank holidays.
Treat yourself to wonderful spa treatments, try out calming activities like yoga or meditation, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of these soothing retreats.
Day Trips and City Excursions:
Embark on day trips or city excursions during bank holidays to discover the cultural and historical wonders of UK cities. You can explore the vibrant streets of London, visit world-class museums and galleries, or experience the royal heritage at Buckingham Palace.
Supporting Local Artisan Markets and Craft Fairs:
Embrace the charm of local artisan markets and craft fairs during bank holidays. Browse through handmade crafts, sample local produce, and find unique gifts to take home. Engage with local artisans and learn about their creative processes.
Volunteering and Community Engagement:
Give back to the community during bank holidays by engaging in volunteer work. Many local charity events or community initiatives welcome volunteers to support various causes. Connect with volunteer organizations or check local charity websites to find opportunities to make a positive impact while enjoying your bank holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Q: How many bank holidays are there in the UK in 2023?
In 2023, the UK has 8 bank holidays throughout the year.
Q: Can employers choose whether to pay for bank holidays or not?
Yes, employers in the UK have the right to decide whether to pay employees for bank holidays or not.
Q: If I decide to work on a bank holiday, will I get additional pay or time off?
Yes, if you choose to work on a bank holiday, you may receive additional pay or compensatory time off.
Need Accountancy Support?
For information on bespoke training, or if you have any other questions for Makesworth Accountant, please fill in your details below
Accountancy Support
Proud to be featured in
148
