When May bank holidays fall in England
England observes two bank holidays in May. The first is Early May Bank Holiday, which falls on the first Monday of May. The second is Spring Bank Holiday, which falls on the last Monday of May. In 2024, those dates are May 6 and May 27. In 2025, they are May 5 and May 26.
These are statutory bank holidays, meaning most employees are may have access to to the day off with pay. However, the day off is not automatic—it depends on your employment contract and your employer's policy. Some employers require you to work and pay extra; others give you a different day off in exchange.
The dates are fixed by law but can shift slightly if the government declares a special bank holiday or moves one for a national event. This happens rarely and is announced well in advance.
Key Takeaways
- England has two May bank holidays: Early May Bank Holiday (first Monday) and Spring Bank Holiday (last Monday).
- Most banks, post offices, and government offices close on bank holidays, though some supermarkets and shops stay open with reduced hours.
- Your right to time off on a bank holiday depends on your employment contract—check with your employer if you are unsure whether you must work.
- If you work on a bank holiday, your employer may pay you extra, give you a day off in lieu, or do neither, depending on your contract.
- Schools close on bank holidays, but childcare arrangements and holiday clubs may operate on different schedules.
Which services and businesses close on May bank holidays
Banks and building societies close entirely on bank holidays. Post offices also close, which matters if you need to collect a parcel, pay a bill in person, or access services that require a counter. The Post Office website shows which branches are open and which are closed on specific dates.
Government offices and local council services are closed. If you need to renew a passport, explore for a driving licence, or handle council business, you will need to do it before the bank holiday or wait until the next working day. Some councils offer online services that work around the clock.
Most supermarkets stay open on bank holidays, though hours are often shorter. Independent shops, restaurants, and cafes vary—some close entirely, others operate as normal. It is worth checking ahead if you rely on a specific business.
Schools close on bank holidays. Nurseries and childcare providers may also close, though some stay open. If you use childcare, confirm the closure dates with your provider well in advance, as May bank holidays often fall during school term.
What stays open and what you should plan for
Hospitals and emergency services operate normally on bank holidays. If you need urgent medical care, call 999 or go to A&E as you would on any other day. GP surgeries are usually closed, but NHS 111 provides medical information and can direct you to out-of-hours services.
Public transport runs on bank holiday schedules, which are often reduced compared to weekdays. Train services, buses, and the London Underground operate, but with fewer trains and longer waits between services. Check with your transport provider for specific timetables—most publish bank holiday schedules weeks in advance.
Utilities and essential services (water, electricity, gas) continue normally. If you have a problem, emergency numbers remain staffed.
Rubbish collection and recycling often pause on bank holidays. Your local council will publish revised collection dates for the week of the bank holiday. Check your council's website or your collection calendar to avoid putting bins out on the wrong day.
Your rights if you work on a May bank holiday
If your contract says you are may have access to to bank holidays as paid time off, your employer must give you that day off or pay you for it. If you work instead, you are may have access to to either extra pay or a day off in lieu (a day off at another time). The amount of extra pay is not set by law—it depends on your contract.
Some contracts state that bank holidays are not additional days off but are counted as part of your annual leave entitlement. In that case, you do not get extra pay for working a bank holiday; you straightforward use one of your holiday days. Check your contract to know which applies to you.
If you are unsure whether you must work or what you are may have access to to if you do, ask your employer in writing. Keep a copy of their response. If a dispute arises later, this record protects you.
Zero-hours and casual workers have different protections depending on how their contract is written. If you are in this situation and your employer is unclear about bank holiday pay, contact ACAS (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service), which offers free information on employment rights.
Planning around May bank holidays
If you travel by train or coach, book early. Bank holidays are busy travel days, and services fill up quickly. Prices often rise closer to the date. If you are driving, expect heavier traffic, especially on the Friday before and the Tuesday after a bank holiday.
If you need to visit a bank, post office, or government office, do it the working day before the bank holiday. Queues are often longer on the day before a closure, but you will still be able to complete your business.
If you have children, confirm school and childcare closures now. Some holiday clubs and activity providers open on bank holidays; others do not. Booking ahead for childcare or activities can be difficult if you do not know your employer's bank holiday policy, so clarify that first.
If you receive benefits or have a regular appointment with a government service, check whether the bank holiday affects your payment date or appointment. Most payments are made on the next working day if they fall on a bank holiday, but confirm with your provider.
Bank holidays and your pay or leave entitlement
Bank holidays are separate from your annual leave entitlement. You are may have access to to a minimum of 5.6 weeks of paid leave per year (28 days for a full-time worker). This includes bank holidays. If your employer gives you 8 bank holidays per year (the standard in England), you have 20 days of additional annual leave to use as you choose.
Some employers include bank holidays in your annual leave total, meaning you have fewer days to take when you want. Others give bank holidays on top of your annual leave. Your contract will state which applies. If it does not, ask your employer to clarify in writing.
If you work part-time, your bank holiday entitlement is calculated proportionally. A worker on a three-day week gets 1.68 weeks of paid leave per year, which includes a proportional share of bank holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to work on a May bank holiday?
It depends on your contract. If your contract says you are may have access to to bank holidays as paid time off, your employer cannot force you to work without your agreement. If you do work, you must be paid extra or given a day off in lieu. Check your contract or ask your employer.
What happens if I need to use a bank on a May bank holiday?
Banks close on bank holidays. Plan ahead and visit before the holiday. If you need to move money urgently, most banks allow online transfers 24 hours a day. If you need cash, withdraw it the day before or use an ATM, which operates around the clock.
Will my benefits payment be delayed if it falls on a May bank holiday?
Most benefits are paid on the next working day if the payment date falls on a bank holiday. Check your payment schedule or contact your benefits provider to confirm. Universal Credit, for example, is usually paid the next working day, but it is worth verifying with your account.
Are schools definitely closed on May bank holidays?
Yes, all state schools in England close on bank holidays. Independent schools also close, though a small number may have different term dates. Nurseries and childcare providers vary—some close, some stay open. Contact your provider directly to confirm.
Can my employer refuse to pay me for a bank holiday if I do not work?
No, if your contract entitles you to bank holidays as paid time off, your employer must pay you. If your contract is unclear, contact ACAS for free information on your rights.