Hopes for a Permanent Extra Bank Holiday

It’s time for another much-needed bank holiday. Despite the crowds, traffic jams, and the not-so-lucky British weather, it’s something that many of us enjoy. In 2022, we were granted an extra day off to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years of service. Following her passing later that same year, many are left wondering if this could be a new permanent tradition that remains in her honour.

Calls For a ‘Thank Holiday’

Calls have been growing for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday to be made permanent. The newly termed ‘thank holiday’ would recognise the Queen’s extraordinary long service as well as people’s efforts to support communities during what has been a stressful couple of years.

The move is being influenced by campaigners and has been backed by the Confederation of British Industry, Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Archbishop of Canterbury. The idea has also won support from investor and entrepreneur Deborah Meaden (of the TV show Dragons Den) amongst others.

England and Wales currently have 8 annual bank holidays, which, on the face of it, might not seem that bad – until you compare it to elsewhere. The average for EU countries is 11 bank holidays every year.

It is understood that Parliament were to consider this proposal.

An Extra Bank Holiday in 2023

Following the additional day off in 2022, this year we have been granted another extra bank holiday, but this time for a coronation. To commemorate the crowning of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6th May 6, 2023, the nation has been bestowed an extra bank holiday. This special day will be observed on Monday 8th May 8, 2023, as a way to mark the occasion.

As this year’s extra holiday is in place to mark a ‘unique’ event, only time will tell as to whether the ‘thank holiday’ will be the UK’s newest tradition.