Culture - UK Public Holidays

Bank Holidays

British bank holidays have been recognized since 1871. The name Bank Holiday comes from the time when Banks were shut and so no trading could take place. Even though Banks are still closed on these days many shops now remain open.
There are 8 banks holidays in England, they are

1 January 2004 New Year's Day
9 April 2004 Good Friday
12 April 2004 Easter Monday
3 May 2004 Early May Bank Holiday
31 May 2004 Spring Bank Holiday
30 August 2004 Summer Bank Holiday
25 December 2004 Christmas Day
26 December 2004 Boxing Day

Work and Holiday Entitlement

British workers have a right to a minimum of 20 days' paid leave a year.
Sometimes this includes the 8 banks holidays, sometimes not.

Newspaper Report - Guardian
Monday July 29, 2002

British workers have a right to a minimum of 20 days' paid leave a year - 11 days less than the average for EU countries.

Only 44% of workers take all of the holiday they are entitled to. Only 39% of men take their full holiday entitlement compared to 49% of women,' said the survey of more than 2,500 workers across the country.

Britain tops the table when it comes to the number of hours a week an employee can usually be required to work - up to 48 compared with France's 35.

64% of respondents said they felt more productive when they returned from holiday. Holidays also increase creativity - more than three-quarters of workers said they had their best ideas for work either on holiday or immediately after getting back.
56% of all British employers do not insist that their staff use their full holiday entitlement.