The Queen’s funeral bank holiday explained and who will get the day off

Over the weekend, King Charles III approved a nation-wide bank holiday to mark the Queen’s funeral.

Her Majesty’s state funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey on Monday September 19th, with millions of Brits set to have the full day off from work.

However, while it has been confirmed that schools will be closed for the day, the government has revealed that the newly-announced bank holiday doesn’t necessarily guarantee every worker the day off. 

New guidance from authorities has confirmed that giving employees the day off will be down to the discretion of each individual employer, who will need to make their own decision on whether or not they will give staff the day off. 

A notice from the government reads: “This is a matter for discussion between individuals and their employer.

“There is no statutory entitlement to time off for bank holidays, but employers may include bank holidays as part of a worker’s leave entitlement.

“The government cannot interfere in existing contractual arrangements between employers and workers. However, we would expect that many workers will be able to take the day off on the bank holiday.

“We also expect employers to respond sensitively to requests from workers who wish to take the day of the funeral off work.”

The guidance also says staff should speak with their bosses regarding a day’s holiday in lieu if they do work the funeral date.

That’s the same policy for overtime rates, the government says, and reclaiming annual leave days if it is granted as a free day off by employers.

Her Majesty will now lie in state for four days before the funeral. From there, the funeral procession will travel to Westminster Abbey.

Her final resting place will be St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle with her late husband Prince Philip.