Working Days Counter

UK bank holidays: four nations, four different lists

A common mistake is assuming UK bank holidays are the same across the whole country. They are not. England and Wales share a list of 8 bank holidays. Scotland and Northern Ireland each have their own separate lists (9 and 10 respectively in most years). This matters for project deadlines, payroll, and statutory notice periods.

Bank holidays 2025 by UK nation

Bank holidays 2026 (England and Wales)

"Business days" vs calendar days in UK law

UK commercial law generally does not equate "business days" with "working days" automatically, the contract must specify. Key distinctions:

• Limitation Act 1980: limitation periods (e.g. 6 years for contract claims) are calendar days, not business days.
• Consumer contracts: the 14-day cooling-off period under Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 runs in calendar days.
• Employment notice periods: statutory minimum notice (Employment Rights Act 1996) is calendar weeks, not working weeks.
• Commercial contracts: "Net 30 days" typically means 30 calendar days unless "business days" or "working days" is explicitly stated.
• Court deadlines: Civil Procedure Rules use "business days" (excluding weekends and bank holidays in England and Wales).

Statutory notice periods in the UK

Under the Employment Rights Act 1996, the statutory minimum notice an employee is entitled to receive is: 1 week after 1 month's service, then 1 week per completed year of service, up to a maximum of 12 weeks (after 12 or more years). Notice periods in employment contracts are in calendar weeks, not working weeks. Many employers set contractual notice periods well above the statutory minimum.

Sources: GOV.UK bank holidays, Employment Rights Act 1996, Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, Civil Procedure Rules. Verify current dates at gov.uk/bank-holidays.