TL;DR: Too long, Didn’t read
The Shocking Truth: There is no legal right to time off on Bank Holidays (even Christmas Day) in the UK. It depends entirely on your contract.
The “Double Pay” Myth: You are not legally entitled to double time (or even time-and-a-half) for working Bank Holidays.
The Exception: If your contract says “plus Bank Holidays,” you cannot be forced to work them.
Part-Time Workers: You cannot be treated less favourably. You are entitled to a pro-rata allowance of Bank Holidays, even if you don’t work Mondays.
It is the festive season. Your friends are at the pub, but you are putting on your uniform. You console yourself with one thought: “At least I’m on double pay today.” Stop. Before you spend that extra cash, check your contract.
One of the biggest myths in the UK is that Bank Holidays are “special” legal days. The reality is much harsher.
The Law: Do I Have to Work?
Under the Working Time Regulations 1998, there is no automatic right to not work on a Bank Holiday. Whether you have to work depends on the wording of your employment contract:
Scenario A: Your contract says “20 days holiday PLUS Bank Holidays.”
Verdict: You have a right to the day off.
Scenario B: Your contract says “28 days holiday INCLUSIVE of Bank Holidays.”
Verdict: Your boss can legally schedule you to work on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, or Easter Monday. You just get a different day off instead.
The “Double Pay” Myth
This is the one that causes the most arguments. There is no law requiring extra pay for Bank Holidays. Unless your contract specifically mentions “Time and a half” or “Double time,” your employer can legally pay you your standard hourly rate for working Boxing Day.
Can I refuse to work if they don’t pay extra? No. If it is a scheduled shift and you refuse, it could be classed as unauthorised absence (AWOL), leading to disciplinary action.
Part-Time Workers: Don’t Get Cheated
If you work part-time (e.g., Tues-Thurs), you might think you miss out on Bank Holiday pay because most fall on a Monday. This is illegal. Under the Part-Time Workers Regulations, you cannot be treated less favourably.
The Fix: Your employer must give you a “pro-rata” allowance of paid leave to make up for the Bank Holidays you “missed.” Make sure you check your payslip to ensure this is calculated correctly.
Can I Call in Sick?
If you are genuinely ill on a Bank Holiday, standard sick pay rules apply. However, be warned: calling in sick on Boxing Day looks suspicious. Employers are allowed to investigate sickness absence if they suspect you are “pulling a sickie” to recover from a hangover.
Summary: Check the Paperwork
Don’t assume.
Read your contract. (Does it say “Plus” or “Inclusive”?).
Check the pay rate. (Don’t expect double time unless it’s written down).
Count your days. (Ensure you are getting your full 28-day statutory entitlement somewhere else in the year).
(Sources: Gov.uk – Bank Holidays, ACAS – Bank Holiday Rights)
This guide is for information purposes only. Always check your specific employment contract.