Bank Holidays in May 2023
It’s almost May, and guess what? We’ve got not one, not two, but THREE bank holidays in May 2023 to look forward to in the UK. That’s right – three whole days to take a break from work and enjoy some time off. But what does this mean for employees and employers, and how will businesses cope with three weeks of four-day working? Let’s dive in.
Let’s take a look at the dates
The first bank holiday in May 2023 is on Monday 1st May, also known as May Day. It’s a long-standing tradition in the UK to celebrate the start of spring on this day, and it’s been a bank holiday since 1978. Then, on Monday, 29th May, we’ve got the Spring Bank Holiday, which has been a UK bank holiday since 1978. And finally, we’ve got an extra bank holiday on Monday, 8th May, to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III. That’s three days off work in just one month – not bad, eh?
But what about employers? Do they have to give their employees an extra bank holiday?
Well, technically speaking, there’s no legal requirement for employers to give their employees bank holidays off. It all depends on the terms of their contracts and their employer’s policies.
So, what does this mean for businesses in May 2023?
Well, it’s going to be a busy month, that’s for sure. Three bank holidays in May 2023 mean three days when businesses will need to make arrangements to cover staff absence. This can be a challenge for many businesses, especially those that rely on a skeleton staff or that operate on a tight schedule. For example, if you work in a retail business, you’ll need to make sure that you have enough staff to cover the holiday, especially if it falls on a busy shopping day.
But it’s not just about making sure you have enough staff to cover the holiday – you also need to make sure you’re paying them correctly. If your employees are entitled to bank holiday pay, then you’ll need to make sure you’re paying them the right amount. This can be a bit tricky, as bank holiday pay can vary depending on your employees’ contracts and your company’s policies. Make sure you check your contracts of employment for each employee to find out the exact details.
Rember that part-time employees are entitled to a pro-rata amount of the additional bank holiday if you are giving it to your full-time staff – don’t fall into the trap and end up discriminating against them as that could really sour the occasion.
So, how can businesses cope with three weeks of four-day working?
Well, it’s all about planning ahead. Make sure you’re aware of the bank holiday dates well in advance, and start making arrangements to cover staff absence as soon as possible. If you need to bring in temporary staff to cover the holiday, make sure you do so in plenty of time to avoid any last-minute panic. And don’t forget to communicate with your employees – let them know what your plans are for covering the holiday, and make sure they’re aware of their entitlements when it comes to paying and time off.
Of course, there are some businesses that won’t be affected by the bank holidays at all. If you work in an industry where bank holidays aren’t traditionally observed, such as healthcare or emergency services, then you may not need to make any special arrangements. However, it’s still worth making sure you’re aware of your company’s policies.
Small businesses should prepare in advance
The Bank Holidays in May 2023 mean that May is going to be a busy month for businesses in the UK. Three bank holidays mean three days off work for employees, but it also means three days of staff absence for employers to deal with. If you’re running a business, make sure you’re prepared well in advance, and communicate with your employees to ensure a smooth and stress-free.
If you need help managing holidays, then why not talk to us about a Free Demo of an HRIS system that literally could save you time and money?
