What is a bank holiday? ▾
A bank holiday is a public holiday in the UK when banks and many businesses are closed. There are 8 in England and Wales, 9 in Scotland, and 10 in Northern Ireland. They are set by the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971.
Why do Scotland and Northern Ireland have different holidays? ▾
Scotland has its own legal system and separate legislation. Scottish-specific holidays include 2nd January and St Andrew's Day (30 November). Scotland also does not observe Easter Monday. Northern Ireland observes St Patrick's Day (17 March) in addition to the standard UK holidays.
What happens when a bank holiday falls on a weekend? ▾
When a bank holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, a "substitute" bank holiday is given on the following Monday (or Tuesday in some cases). For example, if Christmas Day falls on a Sunday, the bank holiday is moved to Monday 26 December, and Boxing Day substitute is on Tuesday 27 December.
Are bank holidays the same every year? ▾
Most bank holidays have fixed dates (e.g., New Year's Day, Christmas Day), but some move each year. Easter-based holidays (Good Friday and Easter Monday) change date annually. The Early May and Spring Bank Holidays are always on specific Mondays, so their dates vary.
Do I get paid extra for working on a bank holiday? ▾
There is no automatic legal right to extra pay for working on a bank holiday — it depends on your employment contract. Many employers offer enhanced pay or a day off in lieu, but this is not legally required unless stated in your contract.
How many bank holidays are there in 2026? ▾
In 2026, there are 8 bank holidays in England and Wales, 9 in Scotland, and 9 in Northern Ireland. The difference is due to Scotland's 2nd January and St Andrew's Day holidays, and Northern Ireland's St Patrick's Day.