Are you entitled to the Monday 8th Bank Holiday off? Check out our guide below.
What is my entitlement?
Every worker is entitled to 5.6 weeks paid holiday. For a full-time worker, this is the equivalent of 28 days.
Remember: Even if your employer expects you to work bank holidays, you are still entitled to 5.6 weeks paid holiday.
Does that include bank holidays?
There is no general legal right to a bank holiday, it depends on your contract.
There are usually 8 bank holidays in a year – the equivalent of 1.6 weeks for a full time worker. This year there are 9 due to the Coronation. Last year there were 10 due to the Platinum Jubilee and the Queen’s Funeral.
Your contract could provide you with a contractual right to a bank holiday.
What should I look for in my contract?
Firstly, this is not legal advice, please speak to a qualified professional if you have any queries in relation to your contract.
The key thing to look for is whether bank (or public) holidays are specifically mentioned. If a contract just mentions the total days leave, the assumption would be that you are not guaranteed bank holiday days off – in practice your employer may let you take a bank holiday as paid annual leave. Some employers may allow you to take the additional 9th bank holiday – it is best to speak to your employer.
On the other hand, if the contract states ‘including all bank holidays’, then the assumption may be that you have a contractual right to take the bank holidays off. This may include the additional 9th bank holiday, depending on how the contract is written.
What about part time/0 hour workers?
All workers are entitled to 5.6 weeks, even 0 hour workers. The rules are the same and workers should check their contract.
Where can i go for help?
If you are an employer who is struggling to understand holiday legislation or any part of the above article, we offer a premium service which can help. For more information visit: Payroll, HR and Legal Services | SD Worx