UK Bank Holidays 2026

Bank Holidays 2026

FAQs

How can remote workers and international e-commerce store owners prepare for UK bank holidays and special days?

Remote workers and international e-commerce store owners can prepare for UK bank holidays by following these strategies:

• Plan: Mark holidays on your calendar and create a schedule for your business operations. Communicate any changes in service availability or shipping times to customers in advance.
• Stock inventory: Ensure you have sufficient inventory before special days and holidays to meet customer demand during peak periods. Anticipate potential delays in product deliveries and plan accordingly.
• Schedule marketing campaigns: Develop themed marketing campaigns and promotions tailored to each holiday. Be sure to schedule these campaigns to launch in advance, generating excitement and driving sales leading up to the holiday.
• Optimise customer support: Prepare your team for increased holiday inquiries and requests. Consider extending support hours or providing automated responses to manage customer expectations.
• Monitor logistics: Work closely with shipping and logistics partners to monitor delivery schedules and potential disruptions during bank holidays. Communicate with customers about any delays in shipping times.
• Review payment processing: Ensure your payment processing systems function smoothly and can handle increased transaction volumes during busy holidays. Offer multiple payment options to accommodate customer preferences.

What are the most important UK bank holidays for remote workers and international e-commerce store owners?

The most important bank holidays for remote workers and international entrepreneurs with businesses in the UK are as follows — 

• New Year's Day (1 January): It is a nationwide bank holiday that impacts business operations such as logistics and bank transactions. On the marketing side, businesses can boost sales by running New Year promotions, offering special discounts, and launching marketing campaigns to attract customers during this festive period.
• Good Friday and Easter Monday (April): These bank holidays in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland can affect customer availability. However, businesses can capitalise on the Easter season by offering Easter-themed products or services, hosting promotional events, and engaging customers through social media contests or giveaways.
• Early May bank holiday (first Monday in May), Spring bank holiday (last Monday in May) and Summer bank holiday (last Monday in August): UK-wide bank holidays that may disrupt business operations. Businesses can boost sales by launching spring-themed promotions and seasonal discounts, introducing new products or services, holding end-of-summer sales events, and offering incentives such as free shipping or discounts for purchases made during the holiday period.
• Christmas Day and Boxing Day (25-26 December): Major bank holidays in the UK that significantly impact business activities and customer availability. Businesses can enhance customer engagement and boost sales during the holiday season by offering holiday gift guides, running Christmas-themed promotions, and providing incentives such as gift-wrapping services or loyalty rewards for holiday purchases.

In UK employment law, are public holidays included in annual leave?

The treatment of public holidays depends on your employment contract. While employees are entitled to 5.6 weeks of statutory annual leave, employers can include public holidays as part of this entitlement. Reviewing your contract for specific details regarding how public holidays are handled is essential.

What happens if a public holiday falls on a weekend?

In the UK, when a public (bank) holiday falls on a weekend, the following Monday is usually designated as a substitute bank holiday. This ensures that workers still get a day off instead of the holiday, maintaining the benefit of the time off despite the weekend overlap.

Am I entitled to paid leave on bank holidays?

Employees have no statutory right to receive paid leave specifically for bank holidays. Whether bank holidays are included as part of your paid leave allowance is up to your employer and should be outlined in your employment contract. If you are required to work on a bank holiday, your employer may offer a substitute day off ("day in lieu") or enhanced pay, which is also at their discretion and should be specified in your contract. Always refer to your contract for clarity on how holidays are handled in your workplace.

What happens if I don't use my holiday allowance by the end of the year?

Unused holiday entitlement typically depends on the terms of your employment contract. Some employers may allow you to carry over unused days into the following year, while others may have a "use it or lose it" policy, meaning any unused leave is forfeited. It's essential to check your contract for specific rules, but using your holiday allowance within the year is generally advisable to avoid losing it.

What are the early May bank holidays?

In May, all nations in the UK observe two bank holidays, which offer people a chance to take time off work, participate in local festivities, and enjoy leisure activities with family and friends. 

How many bank holidays for 2026?

In 2026, England and Wales have eight bank holidays, Scotland has nine, and Northern Ireland has ten. These totals include regional holidays and substitute days when fixed-date holidays like Boxing Day fall on a weekend.