Easter Monday in the United Kingdom
Easter Monday is a bank holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but it is not one of Scotland’s national bank holidays. It follows the movable Easter date, so its calendar date changes from year to year.[2][3][4]
Meaning and history
For Christians, Easter is the feast of Christ’s resurrection. Easter Monday comes after Easter Sunday, and its date moves because Easter is calculated as a movable feast.[4]
The Bank Holidays Act 1871 listed Easter Monday as a bank holiday in England and Ireland, while its separate list for Scotland did not include it. The Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 sets out the current regional distinction: Easter Monday is listed for England and Wales and for Northern Ireland, but not Scotland.[1][2]
Where it is a bank holiday
The official calendar lists Easter Monday for England and Wales and for Northern Ireland. Scotland has a different national bank holiday calendar, which includes Good Friday but not Easter Monday. Local public holidays in Scotland are set by councils and can vary between areas.[3][5]
A substitute weekday is normally used when a bank holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday. Easter Monday itself is already a Monday, so it does not need a substitute day under that rule.[3][6]
Time off and practical arrangements
A bank holiday does not automatically give every worker a paid day off. Employers may include bank holidays within statutory annual leave, and whether someone has the day off or receives extra pay depends on their employment terms.[6][7]
Banks and many other businesses close on bank holidays, although opening arrangements are not universal. In Scotland, there is no law requiring banks or other businesses to close on bank holidays. Check with an employer or service provider for local arrangements.[5][6]
Frequently asked questions
Is Easter Monday a bank holiday throughout the UK?
No. It is listed as a bank holiday in England and Wales and in Northern Ireland. Scotland has a separate national calendar that does not list Easter Monday, though councils can set local holidays.[2][3][5]
Do all workers get Easter Monday off?
No. There is no automatic right to paid leave on a bank holiday. Check your employment contract, since an employer may count bank holidays as part of annual leave.[6][7]
Are banks and businesses closed?
Banks and many businesses close on bank holidays, but arrangements vary. Scottish businesses are not legally required to close, so check opening hours with the specific business.[5][6]
Why does the date change each year?
Easter Monday follows Easter Sunday. Easter is a movable Christian feast calculated using the full moon after the spring equinox, so its date varies between years.[4]
Sources and references
Sources used for Easter Monday in United Kingdom:
- The Bank Holidays Act 1871- UK Parliament
- Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971- UK Parliament
- UK bank holidays- GOV.UK
- Frequently asked questions about the date of Easter- World Council of Churches
- Scottish bank holiday dates- Scottish Government
- Bank holidays- nidirect
- Holiday entitlement: Entitlement- GOV.UK