As we start off the new calendar year, many business owners and managers will be taking the opportunity to review leave and time off arrangements for the year ahead and will be aware that an additional Bank Holiday has been set by the government to mark the coronation of King Charles III.
The coronation of the King is taking place on Saturday 6 May 2023, and Monday 8 May 2023 has been confirmed as a bank holiday to mark the occasion.
Employers are encouraged to discuss and agree with staff as soon as possible:
It is important to note that employees do not have an automatic right to paid time off on a bank holiday. This will depend on what is stated in their employment contract.
For instance, if the contract states that the employee’s annual leave entitlement is a set number of days plus bank holidays, this would grant the employee the right to the additional day off. This is because the contract does not place a limit on how many bank holidays will be granted.
On the other hand, where the contract states that the entitlement is to set at 8 bank holidays, or if the contract specifies which bank holidays are recognised, the employee will not be entitled to the additional bank holiday.
Where staff are not entitled to an additional day’s paid leave, but employers wish to offer this as a gesture of goodwill, they should put in place clear parameters for taking the day as additional paid leave, or time off in lieu where staff otherwise have to work, and make it clear to staff that the additional day is being given at the employer’s discretion.
If you require any advice in relation to additional bank holidays, please contact us here.
