As we are approaching the end of the Summer Bank Holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the daunting realisation that there aren’t any Bank Holidays due until the end of the year is starting to hit. However, what if I told you it’s not all doom and gloom, as our next set of Bank Holidays will bring a three-day working week at the end of the year?
A lot of travellers have already booked some of their holidays for next year too, as 2027 is bringing a three-day working week as well, for the exact same reason. But the good news is we won’t have to wait that long, and can plan for 2026 without taking too much annual leave!
‘Substitute’ Bank holidays
The Government clarifies on their website: “If a bank holiday is on a weekend, a ‘substitute’ weekday becomes a bank holiday, normally the following Monday.
“Your employer does not have to give you paid leave on bank or public holidays.
“Bank holidays might affect how and when your benefits are paid.”
So, as Christmas Day is on a Friday this year, Boxing Day naturally falls on a Saturday. As a result, the ‘substitute’ Bank Holiday will be moved to Monday, December 28. What is more, New Year’s Day is on Friday, January 1, making it a three-day working week.
So, those looking to maximise their annual leave this year should book just three days between December 29 and 31 off, and receive a whopping 10 days!
2026 bank holidays in England and Wales
Unfortunately, we now only have two more Bank Holidays to look forward to in 2026, but they will come with a three-day working week!
December 25 – Christmas Day
December 28 – Boxing Day (substitute day)
2027 Bank Holidays in England and Wales
January 1 – New Year’s Day
March 26 – Good Friday
March 29 – Easter Monday
May 3 – Early May bank holiday
May 31 – Spring bank holiday
August 30 – Summer bank holiday
December 27 – Christmas Day (substitute day)
December 28 – Boxing Day (substitute day)
