The UK government is exploring the possibility of introducing a new bank holiday in 2025, providing workers with an additional long weekend. The move would give millions of employees an extra day off, offering a chance to relax and reflect while also marking a significant historical moment. Details are still being finalized, but the proposal is already generating excitement among workers across the country.
UK Workers Could Get a New Bank Holiday in 2025, Giving Millions an Extra Day Off
By Lydia Amazouz
Published on 26 November 2024 09:37
The UK government is considering adding a new bank holiday in 2025 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. This potential new holiday would offer millions of workers an additional long weekend, either in May or August, providing an opportunity for both reflection on historical events and a well-earned break.
The government is still reviewing the proposal, but the idea has already sparked excitement, with workers looking forward to the prospect of an extra day off in a year that already promises to be significant in terms of national remembrance.
Options for the New Bank Holiday
Two possible dates are being discussed for the new holiday. One proposal is to extend the early May bank holiday to May 12, marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe Day), which is traditionally celebrated on May 8. By shifting this date, the government would create a four-day weekend, giving workers the chance to commemorate the end of the European theatre of the Second World War.
Alternatively, the new holiday could be added to the summer bank holiday in August, typically celebrated on the last Monday of the month. This would align with VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day), which is observed on August 15. Adding an extra day to this long weekend would offer a break during the summer months, providing time for reflection and rest, just as many are looking to relax after a busy period.
The final decision on which date to choose is still pending, but either option would offer workers a unique opportunity to remember the sacrifices made during the war while enjoying a long break.
UK’s Existing Bank Holiday Calendar
The UK already observes a series of well-established bank holidays. These include New Year's Day (January 1), Easter Monday (varies, typically in April), both early May bank holiday (the first Monday of May) and late May bank holiday (the last Monday of May), the summer bank holiday in August (the last Monday of August), and the holidays at Christmas (December 25) and Boxing Day (December 26).
A new bank holiday would add to this list, creating a long weekend that would benefit workers across the country. Many industries, especially those in hospitality, tourism, and retail, often see an influx of customers during these extended weekends, which can boost local economies and give workers time to recharge. A long weekend in May or August would be particularly valuable during the summer, when many employees look forward to a break.
The Debate Over Extra Bank Holidays in the UK
The idea of adding extra bank holidays has been discussed in the UK for some time. Earlier in 2024, calls for a new holiday emerged following England’s near-victory in the European Championships. The Liberal Democrats led the push for a national holiday to celebrate the success, though this did not come to fruition. Nonetheless, the broader conversation about more national holidays remains ongoing.
During this period, Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour Party leader and Prime Minister, spoke about the importance of marking national milestones. At the NATO summit in Washington, he commented: “We should certainly mark the occasion, I don’t want to jinx it. I went to the last Euros final, I don’t want to go through that again. I don’t want to jinx anything but we must mark it in some way. But the most important thing is getting it over the line on Sunday.” These comments reflect the government's willingness to mark significant national events, with the potential new holiday for 2025 being an example of this approach.
The Labour Party’s ongoing support for additional holidays is also an indication of the political will to create more days of rest for workers to celebrate key moments in history, such as the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
What This Means for Workers
If the proposal is approved, the new bank holiday would provide millions of workers with an extra long weekend. While holidays are often seen as a chance to rest, a day off to commemorate the end of the Second World War would also provide an opportunity for reflection on the sacrifices made by those who fought in the war.
The new holiday could also encourage more national unity, giving people of all generations a chance to appreciate the significance of historical events. The government has suggested that such a holiday could help bring people together while ensuring that the legacy of World War II continues to be remembered.