ARE EMPLOYEES AUTOMATICALLY ENTITLED TO ADDITIONAL BANK HOLIDAYS?

An additional Bank Holiday  has been granted this year to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III on Monday 8 May 2023.

Employees may assume that they are automatically entitled to this  additional day’s paid leave but that is not the case.     It is dependent upon what is stated in the Contract of Employment (COE).

Full time employees who work 5 days per week are entitled to a minimum of 28 days paid holiday every year to include Bank Holidays (of which they are usually 8 but this year 9).

If the COE provides for “20 days’ holiday per year plus bank holidays” then employees will have the right to take the extra day off on 8 May 2023 as paid annual leave.

However, if the COE provides for “28 days’ holiday per year including bank holidays” then employees would have no right to an additional paid  day’s leave but employers could  grant this to all staff at their discretion.

If you are an employer or employee and you need help on employment issues contact us now on 01606 74301 or email gmr@mosshaselhurst.co.uk or kerry.greatorex@mosshaselhurst.co.uk