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Basic Country Requirements in the United Kingdom Internal

Gretchen Brooker
  • Updated

What are the public holidays in the United Kingdom?

There are usually 8 public holidays in the U.K., but there is no requirement that employers give these as non-working days or paid days off (unless these bank holidays make up the overall annual leave entitlement). Velocity Global policy is to grant bank holidays off, as stated in the employment agreements.

England & Wales Public Holidays

  • New Year’s Day (Jan 1)
  • Good Friday (Varies)
  • Easter Monday (Varies)
  • May Bank Holiday Day (Varies)
  • Spring Bank Holiday (Varies)
  • Summer Bank Holiday (Varies)
  • Christmas Day (Dec 25)
  • Boxing Day (Dec 26)

Please note that public holidays vary in Scotland and Northern Ireland. 

Scotland Public Holidays

  • New Year’s Day (Jan 1)
  • Good Friday (Varies)
  • Early May Bank Holiday (Varies)
  • Spring Bank Holiday (Varies)
  • Summer Bank Holiday (Varies)
  • St. Andrew’s Day (Nov 30) 
  • Christmas Day (Dec 25)
  • Boxing Day (Dec 26)

Northern Ireland Public Holidays

  • New Year’s Day (Jan 1)
  • St. Patrick’s Day (Mar 17)
  • Good Friday (varies)
  • Easter Monday (varies)
  • Early May Bank Holiday (varies)
  • Spring Bank Holiday (varies)
  • Battle of the Boyne/Orangemen’s Day (Jul 12)
  • Summer Bank Holiday (varies)
  • Christmas Day (Dec 25)
  • Boxing Day (Dec 26)

If a bank holiday is on a weekend, a ‘substitute’ weekday becomes a bank holiday, normally the following Monday.

On May 8, 2023, there is an additional Bank Holiday in the U.K. for the King’s Coronation.

 

What is the probation period in the United Kingdom?

Probation periods are allowed in the U.K. and they typically last between 1 and 6 months. Probation periods are optional and not mandatory.

 

What is the notice period in the United Kingdom? 

Please see the Terminations and Offboarding in the United Kingdom page. 

 

What are the working hours in the United Kingdom?

Employees in the U.K. are covered by the Working Time Directive, which states that an employee may not work more than 48 hours for each 7-day period, including overtime.

Please note that employees may opt out of the 48-hour work week, but this agreement must be in writing.

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