The United Kingdom’s four nations — England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland — each observe a different bank holiday calendar, ranging from 8 to 10 days per year. The differences are driven by national identity, religious observance, and historical events. An employer who assumes all four nations share the same calendar will make payroll mistakes.
This guide compares the 2026 bank holidays across all four UK nations with a side-by-side comparison and compliance guidance.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult an employment lawyer for guidance specific to your organization.
Key Takeaways
- England and Wales have 8 bank holidays, Scotland has 9, Northern Ireland has 10
- Scotland adds 2 January and St. Andrew’s Day
- Northern Ireland adds St. Patrick’s Day and Battle of the Somme
- Bank holidays can be included in the 5.6-week statutory annual leave entitlement
- Employers must apply the correct holidays for each nation
Bank Holidays by Nation
England and Wales: 8 Bank Holidays
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Thursday |
| Good Friday | 3 April | Friday |
| Easter Monday | 6 April | Monday |
| Early May Bank Holiday | 4 May | Monday |
| Spring Bank Holiday | 25 May | Monday |
| Summer Bank Holiday | 31 August | Monday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Friday |
| Boxing Day | 26 December | Saturday |
Scotland: 9 Bank Holidays
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Thursday |
| 2 January | 2 January | Friday |
| Good Friday | 3 April | Friday |
| Early May Bank Holiday | 4 May | Monday |
| Spring Bank Holiday | 25 May | Monday |
| Summer Bank Holiday | 31 August | Monday |
| St. Andrew’s Day | 30 November | Monday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Friday |
| Boxing Day | 26 December | Saturday |
Northern Ireland: 10 Bank Holidays
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Thursday |
| St. Patrick’s Day | 17 March | Tuesday |
| Good Friday | 3 April | Friday |
| Easter Monday | 6 April | Monday |
| Early May Bank Holiday | 4 May | Monday |
| Spring Bank Holiday | 25 May | Monday |
| Battle of the Somme | 1 July | Wednesday |
| Summer Bank Holiday | 31 August | Monday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Friday |
| Boxing Day | 26 December | Saturday |
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Holiday | England | Wales | Scotland | N. Ireland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 2 January | — | — | ✓ | — |
| St. Patrick’s Day | — | — | — | ✓ |
| Good Friday | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Easter Monday | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| Early May Bank Holiday | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Spring Bank Holiday | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Battle of the Somme | — | — | — | ✓ |
| Summer Bank Holiday | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| St. Andrew’s Day | — | — | ✓ | — |
| Christmas Day | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boxing Day | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
How Bank Holidays Affect Annual Leave
Under the Working Time Regulations 1998, employees are entitled to 5.6 weeks of paid annual leave (28 days for a full-time worker). Bank holidays can be counted toward this entitlement:
- England/Wales: Up to 8 bank holidays can be included in the 28-day entitlement
- Scotland: Up to 9 bank holidays can be included
- Northern Ireland: Up to 10 bank holidays can be included
An employer offering “28 days plus bank holidays” in England gives a better deal than the same offer in Northern Ireland, where more bank holidays eat into the 28.
Substitute Bank Holidays
When Christmas or Boxing Day falls on a weekend, the UK nations handle substitutes differently. In 2026, Boxing Day falls on a Saturday. Check official government announcements for each nation’s substitute day.
Employment Contract Implications
Your contract should specify:
- Which bank holidays the employee is entitled to — specify the nation
- Whether bank holidays are included in or additional to the annual leave entitlement
- What happens when holidays fall on weekends — substitute day or lost day
- Whether employees can be required to work — and compensation
What This Means for Employers
Apply the Right National Calendar
An employee in Edinburgh gets St. Andrew’s Day and 2 January. An employee in London does not. Map each employee to their nation.
Be Careful with “Plus Bank Holidays” Offers
Offering “X days plus bank holidays” means different things in different nations. A Northern Ireland employee gets 10 bank holidays; an England employee gets 8.
Document Substitute Holiday Policies
When bank holidays fall on weekends, decide whether to offer a substitute day. Document this in employment contracts.
Track Bank Holidays for Payroll
Bank holidays on working days must be paid. If an employee works on a bank holiday, check your contract for overtime provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all four UK nations have the same bank holidays?
No. England and Wales share 8. Scotland has 9 (adding 2 January and St. Andrew’s Day). Northern Ireland has 10 (adding St. Patrick’s Day and Battle of the Somme).
Can an employer require work on a bank holiday?
Yes, if the contract allows it. There’s no statutory right to bank holidays off, though most contracts include them.
How does the Working Time Regulations apply?
The WTR entitles workers to 5.6 weeks (28 days) of paid annual leave. Employers can include bank holidays within this entitlement.
What if Christmas or Boxing Day falls on a weekend?
Each nation may designate a substitute bank holiday. In England, typically the following Monday. Check official guidance.
Should my contract specify which nation’s holidays apply?
Yes. If you have employees across UK nations, specify which nation’s bank holidays apply to each employee.