As Easter approaches, many workers look forward to the long bank holiday weekend—a time traditionally associated with family gatherings, religious observances, and a well-earned break. However, as workplaces become more diverse, there is growing discussion around whether employees should have greater flexibility in choosing which holidays they take off.
Should Bank Holidays Be More Flexible?
A recent survey by energy firm OVO found that 72% of workers prefer the option to choose whether to take bank holidays off, allowing them to attend family events, observe cultural or religious festivals, or simply take time off when it best suits their personal and professional lives.
For many, Easter is an important holiday, but for others, flexibility around public holidays could allow better work-life balance. United Workers Alliance (UWA) advocates for greater awareness of workers’ rights, ensuring that employees have a say in how their leave is allocated.
Your Legal Rights on Bank Holidays
Under the Working Time Regulations 1998, employees are entitled to 5.6 weeks of paid leave per year, which may include bank holidays, but employers are not legally required to give these days off automatically. Whether bank holidays are included as part of statutory leave depends on the employment contract.
Employees who wish to observe alternative holidays, such as Passover, Eid, or other significant dates, may request annual leave or flexible working arrangements under the Employment Rights Act 1996 and the Equality Act 2010, which requires employers to consider reasonable accommodations for religious observances.
What Employers Can Do
Forward-thinking employers are already adapting to the need for flexibility by: Allowing staff to swap bank holidays for personal or religious holidays Introducing floating holidays that employees can use at their discretion Encouraging a more inclusive approach to workplace holiday policies
UWA supports employees in negotiating these arrangements with their employers. If you are unsure of your rights regarding bank holiday flexibility, our members have access to customised legal templates, guidance, and direct support to help you navigate these discussions.
The Future of Holiday Flexibility
As workplaces evolve, the conversation around flexible bank holidays continues. A fairer and more adaptable approach to holiday entitlement could lead to greater job satisfaction, inclusivity, and work-life balance for all employees.
Would you like to see more flexibility in how bank holidays are handled at your workplace? Join UWA today and take control of your workplace rights!
Sources: https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/employees-prefer-flexible-bank-holiday-time-off/