Public holidays

Public holidays in the United Kingdom are statutory days when most workers are entitled to time off with pay. The main public holidays observed across the UK include New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, May Day, Spring Bank Holiday, Summer Bank Holiday, and Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Scotland observes additional holidays such as 2 January and a September bank holiday. The specific dates and number of public holidays vary slightly by country within the UK, with England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland each having their own designated calendar.

Public holiday entitlements are governed by the Employment Rights Act 1996 and the Working Time Regulations 1998. These laws establish the minimum statutory rights for workers and define how public holidays must be treated in employment contracts and payroll calculations.

For 2026, the UK public holiday calendar includes New Year's Day on Thursday 1 January, Good Friday on Friday 3 April, Easter Monday on Monday 6 April, May Day on Monday 4 May, Spring Bank Holiday on Monday 20 April, and Christmas Day on Friday 25 December, with Boxing Day observed on Monday 28 December. Scotland's calendar includes the additional public holiday on Friday 2 January 2026 and a September bank holiday on Monday 21 September 2026.

Employers must ensure workers receive their normal pay on public holidays or, if work is required, provide appropriate compensation such as additional pay or time off in lieu. Payroll teams should verify the applicable public holiday calendar for each employee's location within the UK and ensure accurate payment processing on these dates. Employment contracts should clearly specify how public holidays are treated and whether workers are required to work on these days.