¡¡¡¡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.

¡¡¡¡Traditionally on a Bank Holiday many businesses are closed to enable the workers to have a holiday. This time is often spent with the family on mini breaks and outings. Anyone who works on Bank Holidays usually gets paid extra ª²ª² ¡°timeª²andª²aª²half¡± or even ¡°double time,¡± negotiated for them by the Trades Unions.

¡¡¡¡In England and Wales there are six bank holidays: New Year's Day, Easter Monday, May Day (not necessarily 1 May), Spring and Late Summer Holidays at the end of May and August respectively, and Boxing Day1. There are also two common law holidays on Good Friday2 and Christmas Day.

¡¡¡¡Scotland has nine public holidays: New Year's Day, January 2, Good Friday, Easter Monday, May Day (not necessarily 1 May), Spring and Summer Holidays at the end of May and the beginning of August respectively, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

¡¡¡¡In Northern Ireland there are seven bank holidays: New Year's Day, St. Patrick's Day3 (17 March), Easter Monday, May Day (not necessarily 1 May), Spring and Late Summer Holidays at the end of May and August respectively, and Boxing Day. There are also two common law holidays on Good Friday and Christmas Day and a public holiday on the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne4 (12 July).

¡¡¡¡What happens when bank holidays fall on a weekend?

¡¡¡¡There are holidays in lieu of1 those public holidays which fall at weekends. Shops, museums and other public attractions, such as historic houses and sports centres, may close on certain public holidays, particularly Christmas Day.