BANK HOLIDAYS IN THE UK, YEAR 2021 & 2022 (2024)

What Are Bank Holidays?

Check Bank Holidays in the UK for 2023/2024 HERE

The term ‘bank holidays’ is typically used in the United Kingdom, but many other countries use this term too. Bank holidays are very similar to national holidays as they are paid off and often coordinated with an employer. Most of the UK has eight bank holidays per year: New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, May Day, late May Bank Holiday, Summer Bank Holiday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Northern Ireland and Scotland have additional public holidays: Orangemen’s Day, St Andrew’s Day, and St Patrick’s Day.

Bank holidays in England and Wales(2021)

Bank holidays in Scotland(2021)

Bank holidays in Northern Ireland(2021)

There are differences between England and Scotland when it comes to bank holidays. Whereas in England and Wales you are able to claim bank holidays up to five times a year, in Scotland you can claim them only 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 usually much cheaper, so it is well worth signing up for paid leave and getting some extra money for your annual leave.

Bank holidays in England and Wales(2022)

Bank holidays in Scotland(2022)

Bank holidays in Northern Ireland(2022)

How much do bank holidays cost?

Bank holidays do not have to be taken as a benefit, instead, an employee is usually entitled to them as a form of paid absence. This is different from being eligible for annual leave and is sometimes better thought out. Bank holidays are usually chosen to do some part-time work. If you are taking them as a form of statutory minimum leave entitlement then you will only be entitled to a specified number of days. In order to decide whether you are entitled to a bank holiday week or not you should contact the Employment Rights Clearinghouse.

Public holidays are a different thing altogether. You will usually be able to claim two weeks’ worth of bank holidays, not just one. So if you are looking for a Scotland bank holiday entitlement, make sure that you include two weeks as this is what you will be entitled to. There are a few other things that you should consider in order to make sure that you get the best holiday entitlement that you can.