UK bank holidays for 2027 include 8 public holidays in England and Wales, with additional holidays in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Key Takeaways
- 8 bank holidays in England and Wales
- Scotland has 9 bank holidays
- Northern Ireland has 10 bank holidays
- No statutory right to day off on bank holidays
- Enhanced pay may apply if required to work
England and Wales 2027
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Friday | New Year’s Day |
| 26 March | Friday | Good Friday |
| 29 March | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 3 May | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 31 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 30 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 25 December | Saturday | Christmas Day |
| 27 December | Monday | Boxing Day (substitute) |
Scotland 2027
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Friday | New Year’s Day |
| 4 January | Monday | New Year’s Holiday |
| 26 March | Friday | Good Friday |
| 29 March | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 3 May | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 31 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 2 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 30 November | Wednesday | St Andrew’s Day |
| 25 December | Saturday | Christmas Day |
| 27 December | Monday | Boxing Day (substitute) |
Northern Ireland 2027
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Friday | New Year’s Day |
| 4 January | Monday | New Year’s Holiday |
| 26 March | Friday | Good Friday |
| 29 March | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 3 May | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 31 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 12 July | Monday | Battle of the Boyne |
| 30 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 25 December | Saturday | Christmas Day |
| 27 December | Monday | Boxing Day (substitute) |
Key Rules
Working on Bank Holidays
- No statutory right to day off on bank holidays
- Contract dependent - check employment contract
- Enhanced pay - common but not required by law
- Time off in lieu - alternative to enhanced pay
Bank Holidays and Annual Leave
- Included in statutory entitlement - 28 days includes bank holidays
- Pro-rata for part-time - proportionate entitlement
- Contract dependent - may be in addition to annual leave
- Carry over - if not taken
Managing Bank Holidays
For Employers
- Check contracts - for bank holiday provisions
- Communicate early - who needs to work
- Arrange coverage - for essential services
- Process payments - enhanced rates or TOIL
- Maintain records - for 7 years minimum
For Employees
- Check contract - for bank holiday provisions
- Request time off - if desired
- Understand pay - enhanced rates or TOIL
- Plan ahead - for required working
- Seek advice - if rights not respected
Compliance Checklist
- Bank holiday dates confirmed
- Employment contracts reviewed
- Enhanced pay arrangements documented
- TOIL arrangements documented
- Employees informed of requirements
- Coverage arranged for essential services
- Records maintained for 7 years
- System supports bank holiday calculations
You can take advantage of the free 14 days trial and explore Leave Balance.
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