How to learn about today is a bank holiday

The fastest way to check is to look at the UK government's official bank holidays page at gov.uk/bank-holidays. It lists every bank holiday for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland separately, because the dates differ between nations. You can also search "UK bank holidays 2024" or "UK bank holidays 2025" to see the full year at a glance.

If you need to know right now, your bank's website or app will show you whether branches are open today. Most UK banks close on bank holidays, though some branches in city centres stay open. Your employer or payroll department can also confirm whether today counts as a bank holiday for your workplace — not all employers observe every bank holiday, and some substitute different dates.

The simplest check: if you're trying to reach your bank by phone or visit a branch and can't, today is likely a bank holiday. Most UK banks publish their holiday closure dates in advance, usually in their app or on their website under "branch opening hours" or "contact us".

Key Takeaways

  • The UK government website gov.uk/bank-holidays shows the official dates for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, which are not all the same.
  • Bank holidays vary by nation — Scotland has different dates than England, and Northern Ireland has different dates again.
  • Your bank's website or app will tell you whether your local branch is open today, because some city-centre branches stay open on bank holidays.
  • Not all employers observe every bank holiday, so check with your workplace or payroll team to know whether you're may have access to to the day off.

Why bank holiday dates differ between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

Each UK nation sets its own bank holidays. England has eight bank holidays per year. Scotland has nine. Wales has eight. Northern Ireland has ten. The dates overlap for some holidays — like New Year's Day and Christmas — but differ for others.

For example, the Early May Bank Holiday falls on the first Monday in May across all nations. But the Spring Bank Holiday (also called the May Bank Holiday) moves around depending on royal events or other reasons, and the dates can shift. Scotland celebrates St Andrew's Day on 30 November, which is not a bank holiday in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland has two additional holidays tied to religious observances that other nations do not.

If you live or work in one nation but bank in another, check the dates for the nation where your bank is based, not where you live. Most UK banks operate on the same schedule across all branches, so your bank will close on the bank holidays for the nation it's registered in.

What happens to your pay and benefits on a bank holiday

If you work a standard Monday-to-Friday job and your employer observes the bank holiday, you get the day off with pay — you are not expected to work, and you are paid as though you worked. This is called a statutory bank holiday. Your contract should state whether you get paid for bank holidays or whether they are unpaid.

If you work in retail, hospitality, healthcare, or other sectors that operate seven days a week, your employer may ask you to work on a bank holiday. If you do, you should receive either extra pay (often time-and-a-half or double time) or a day off in lieu — a substitute day off later. Check your employment contract or ask your manager what your workplace's policy is.

If you receive benefits, bank holidays do not affect your payment dates. Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, and other benefits are paid on the same schedule regardless of bank holidays. However, if your payment date falls on a bank holiday, you may receive it a day or two early. Check your bank account or the gov.uk website for your specific payment schedule.

Bank holidays and government services

Most government offices close on bank holidays. This includes HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs), the Department for Work and Pensions, local councils, and passport offices. If you need to contact a government department, call or visit their website first to confirm they are open.

Online services — like checking your tax account, Universal Credit journal, or passport application status — stay open 24/7 on bank holidays. You can submit forms, upload documents, and check your status anytime. Phone lines and in-person appointments are not available.

If a deadline falls on a bank holiday, most government departments extend it to the next working day. For example, if a tax return is due on a bank holiday Monday, you usually have until Tuesday to submit it. Always check the specific deadline on the government website or your letter, as some deadlines are firm.

Bank holidays and postal services

Royal Mail does not deliver letters or parcels on bank holidays. If you are expecting a payment, refund, or important document by post, and a bank holiday falls during the delivery window, expect it to arrive the next working day instead.

Post offices close on bank holidays, so you cannot collect parcels, buy stamps, or use services like bill payment or money transfer. If you need to post something before a bank holiday, use a post box — collections still happen on bank holidays, though delivery will be delayed.

Planning around bank holidays for refunds and payments

If you are waiting for a tax refund, insurance payout, or other payment, bank holidays can add a day or two to the timeline. Most payments are processed electronically and do not stop for bank holidays, but the receiving bank may not credit your account until the next working day.

For example, if HMRC processes your tax refund on a Friday and a bank holiday Monday follows, the money may not appear in your account until Tuesday. If you are tracking a refund status and the estimated date falls on a bank holiday, assume it will arrive the next working day.

If you need to contact your bank or a government department about a payment, and today is a bank holiday, use their online service or call tomorrow. Most organisations have recorded messages telling you they are closed and directing you to online options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get paid extra if I work on a bank holiday?

It depends on your contract and employer. If your employer observes the bank holiday and asks you to work anyway, you should receive extra pay (often time-and-a-half or double time) or a substitute day off later. Check your employment contract or ask your manager. Some sectors like retail and healthcare routinely work bank holidays and have set policies for this.

Will my benefit payment be delayed if it falls on a bank holiday?

No. Benefits like Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment are paid on schedule regardless of bank holidays. If your payment date lands on a bank holiday, you may receive it a day or two early instead. Check your bank account or the gov.uk website for your exact payment date.

Can I submit a tax return or government form on a bank holiday?

Yes, online services stay open 24/7 on bank holidays. You can submit forms, upload documents, and check your status anytime through the gov.uk website or your online account. Phone lines and in-person appointments are not available, but digital submission works normally.

Will my post be delivered on a bank holiday?

No. Royal Mail does not deliver letters or parcels on bank holidays. If you are expecting something, it will arrive the next working day instead. Post boxes are still collected, but delivery is delayed.

Are bank holidays the same across the whole UK?

No. England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland each have different bank holiday dates. Scotland has nine bank holidays per year, while England and Wales have eight, and Northern Ireland has ten. Check the gov.uk website for the dates that apply to your nation.