Bank holidays during the pandemic

Bank holidays (including the Easter and May bank holidays during the Coronavirus lockdown) can be included in the 5.6 weeks of statutory holiday. Whether they are included will depend on the employment contract. Workers on holiday on a bank holiday, including furloughed workers, must be paid normal wages for that bank holiday.

Employment service Acas has produced guidance on coronavirus and using holiday for employers and employees on its website. In general, it encourages employers to be flexible and to continue emphasising the importance of taking holiday to staff health and safety.