Will I get a day off for the Queen’s funeral?

The Government recently announced the Queen’s funeral will take place on Monday 19 September 2022 at 11am. The day will be given a bank holiday status to honour the national period of mourning. This, however, does not necessarily mean that employees will automatically be given the day off.

Rather, it will be for individual employers to decide whether they will close their business during this time.

Am I entitled to have the day off?

There is no statutory entitlement for employees to be given the day off for bank holidays. However, depending on your employment contract, it might be included in your holiday entitlement.

If your employment contract states that you get “all bank holidays off” then you have a contractual entitlement to have the day off. But, if it says “the usual” or “eight” bank holidays, then there is no entitlement and your employer can decide if you will be required to work.

The decision to allow some workplaces to close, whilst others remain open, has caused some controversy. The majority of schools have opted to close; putting additional pressure on many employers to follow suit so that working parents can care for their children.

What does that mean for me?

Whilst the Government is hoping that employers will respect the period of mourning, there is no guarantee that your workplace will be closed. If you would like the day off, you should speak to your employer to discuss whether this could be feasible.

Similarly, your employer should be upfront and as open as possible with their plans during the additional bank holiday so that you can make any necessary arrangements for childcare, etc.

If you are unsure as to how to handle the additional bank holiday then please get in touch with a member of our Employment team on 01752 648878.