How to manage bank holidays

Author: Katherine Shaw, Lewis Silkin

Brightmine editor: Susie Munro

Summary

Click on any of the hyperlinks to go to more detailed guidance below.

• Recognise that there is no statutory entitlement to take time off on bank holidays.
• Check existing documentation to establish whether there is a contractual entitlement to time off on bank holidays.
• Consider whether your customary way of dealing with bank holidays may have become implied into workers' contracts over time.
• Consider whether the current documentation adequately reflects business needs.
• If changes to current arrangements are needed, or you are drafting new provisions around bank holidays, decide your approach to: 
  • whether holiday entitlement includes bank holidays;
  • additional bank holidays that may be announced;
  • requiring employees to take leave or work on bank holidays; and
  • pay and time off in lieu.
• Take into account the bank holiday rights of part-time workers and workers with irregular working patterns.
• Be aware of the bank holiday entitlement of employees who are on family leave or sickness absence.