Extra Bank Holiday for the Coronation of King Charles III

It has been announced that there will be an extra bank holiday in 2023, on Monday 8th May, to mark the coronation of King Charles III. What are your workers' rights regarding leave on this day?

Although many businesses across the UK will close for the day, this does not mean that workers will have any statutory entitlement to any extra holiday.

Workers are entitled to 28 days of annual leave, which usually includes bank holidays. It is ultimately up to the employer to discuss with the worker whether this bank holiday will be counted towards their annual holiday entitlement or whether it will be granted as an extra day of leave. Contractually and legally you are not obligated to grant an extra day, and the day can be taken from their holiday for that year.

However, if your employee’s contract states that they are entitled to 20 days of holiday plus bank holidays (there are usually 8 per year), then they will have the right to take the extra bank holiday off as paid leave. However, if the contract specifically states that they are entitled to 20 days of holiday plus eight bank holidays, then you are not obligated to grant the extra day.

You also have the option to allow workers to work the day and either get paid extra or be granted another day of leave at another point in the year- this is also entirely up to your discretion. If workers choose to work any bank holiday there are no statutory rules regarding extra pay.

To conclude, the day should be treated exactly the same as any other bank holiday. Since there is no statutory requirement for time off for bank holidays, it is up to employers and workers to discuss and come to a conclusion on whether they will be granted an extra day of leave.