THE death of Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96 has shocked the UK.
The monarch’s funeral is to be held on September 19 after King Charles III approved the day a bank holiday.
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It means schools and many businesses will be closed – but do I have to work on the day?
Below, we explain your rights and whether you have to head into the office.
Do I have to go to work?
Many workers will be able to take the day off, however the government has said this might not be the case for everyone.
New official guidance says each employer should make their own decision on whether or not staff are given the day off.
That’s because despite the King declaring his mother’s state funeral a bank holiday, there’s no legal requirement for employers to give staff the day off.
A full statement on the government’s website says: “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.
It continues: “We also expect employers to respond sensitively to requests from workers who wish to take the day of the funeral off work.”
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You might work in a job where you have to work the occasional bank holiday.
The government guidance says if you want to take next Monday off, you should discuss it with your employer.
If you have to work the day of the funeral and want to take the day off as annual leave, again, you should discuss this with your bosses.
Meanwhile, if an individual has to work the bank holiday and wants to be paid extra, this is something to be discussed with your employer.
However, there are no statutory rules regarding extra pay on bank holidays.
For the full guidance, you can visit the government’s website.
We previously explained if you’re legally entitled to double pay if you work on the bank holiday.
Plus, whether you can stop working from home if it’s too hot.
