In Britain--what are the bank holidays all about?

Question

On what dates are they usually observed? THANKS!

Answer 1

Bank holidays just mean public holidays. They are called that because they derive historically from additional free days given to bank workers. Since banks were closed, other businesses also closed for the day. Only two of our public holidays actually contain the words "bank holiday".

The UK has eight public holidays, and some you will recognise. They are as follows.

January 1st - New Year's Day (1)
varied - Good Friday (the Friday before Easter Sunday)
varied - Easter Monday (the Monday after Easter Sunday)
varied - May Day (the first Monday in May)
varied - Spring Bank Holiday (the last Monday in May)
varied - August Bank Holiday (the last Monday in August)
December 25th - Christmas Day (2)
December 26th - Boxing Day (3)

Now you may think that eight public holidays are too few (in comparison with the US situation), but you have to understand two things within the British context. Firstly, weekday workers do not lose any of the three days that can fall at the weekends (see notes below). Secondly our annual leave entitlement (personal vacation right) is fairly generous. The law guarantees us four weeks (i.e. 20 working days, for most office workers). However, 25 working days tends to be a standard with most good employers, and additional days are given for length of service.

I hope I have made this clear.

NOTES
(1) If January 1st falls on a Saturday or a Sunday, then the following Monday is given as a public holiday in lieu.
(2) If December 25th falls on a Saturday or a Sunday, then the following Monday is given as a public holiday in lieu.
(3) If December 26th falls on a Saturday, then the following Monday is given as a public holiday in lieu. If it falls on a Sunday or a Monday, then the following Tuesday is given as a public holiday in lieu.