Wondering when you're due for a holiday?

Britain has relatively few public holidays compared with other European countries. They are usually described as Bank Holidays because they are days when banks are officially closed.

England and Wales Bank and Public Holidays

	2008	2009
New Years Day	1 January	1 January
Good Friday	21 March	10 April
Easter Monday	24 March	13 April
Early May Bank Holiday	5 May (first Monday in May)	4 May (first Monday in May)
Spring Bank Holiday	26 May (last Monday in May)	25 May (last Monday in May)
Summer Bank Holiday	25 August (last Monday in Aug)	31 August (last Monday in Aug)
Christmas Day	25 December	25 December
Boxing Day	26 December	28 December*

Scotland Bank and Public Holidays

	2008	2009
New Years Day	1 January	1 January
Second of January	2 January	2 January
Good Friday	21 March	10 April
Early May Bank Holiday	5 May	4 May
Spring Bank Holiday	26 May	25 May
Summer Bank Holiday	4 August (first Monday in Aug)	3 August (first Monday in Aug)
St Andrew's Day	1 December	30 November
Christmas Day	25 December	25 December
Boxing Day	26 December	28 December*

NB. Easter Monday is not a Bank Holiday although is observed by many banks and companies. The majority of banks are closed on the last Monday in August.

Northern Ireland Bank and Public Holidays

	2008	2009
New Years Day	1 January	1 January
St Patrick's Day	15 March	17 March
Good Friday	21 March	10 April
Easter Monday	24 March	13 April
Early May Bank Holiday	5 May	4 May
Spring Bank Holiday	26 May	25 May
Battle of the Boyne	14 July	13 July
Summer Bank Holiday	25 August	31 August
Christmas Day	25 December	25 December
Boxing Day	26 December	28 December*

* Substitute Bank Holiday in lieu of 26th December because 26th falls at the weekend

To speak with one of our experienced UK consultants, please contact us on uk@globalcareerlink.com.