Extra Bank Holiday 2022: Are my employees entitled?

Her Majesty The Queen's 70th anniversary as monarch is approaching this year. This has created changes for the 2022 Bank Holidays in the UK.

The May Bank Holiday Weekend will be moved to Thursday 2nd June and an additional Holiday on Friday 3rd June means a four day weekend of celebrations for the Platinum Jubilee.

The Platinum Jubilee will be a historic moment as this is the first time any monarch has reached this milestone. Countries worldwide will be looking at the UK.

Employees have been planning how to spend the long Bank Holiday however, there are some legal issues with this - some employees will not be entitled to extra time off.

This is dependent on the terms and conditions of employment and the timing of work patterns of your employees.

If their employment contract says they're entitled to X days of annual leave in addition to bank holidays, then they will be entitled to the extra days off.

If their contract says they're entitled to X days of annual leave inclusive of bank holidays or X days of annual leave in addition to the usual eight UK bank holidays, it will be down to the discretion of the employer as to having the extra time off work.

Some employees may not expect the time off, but might expect 'bank holiday' rate of pay during the Platinum Jubilee.

As an employer, it is important to consider the relationship with your employees as they may feel they're being treated unfairly. This could risk company reputation amongst other things.

Find out more.

Article by: The HR Director