Coronation Bank Holiday 2023: The Legalities in Employment Law

As the coronation bank holiday for the coronation of King Charles III in 2023 approaches, it’s important to understand the legal significance of this event. The coronation marks the formal beginning of the new monarch’s reign and is steeped in tradition and ceremony. From the oath-taking to the presentation of the regalia, every aspect of the coronation is carefully choreographed and has legal implications.

This is the first coronation that the UK has seen in 70 years since Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation on 2nd June 1953. The coronation will take place at Westminster Abbey at 11am on Saturday 6th May 2023.

Bank Holiday Working Law

As expected the bank holiday for the coronation of King Charles III has caused confusion among many employers and employees in relation to their legal rights.

Here are the most common questions we get asked surrounding bank holiday entitlement:

Do we get a bank holiday for the coronation of King Charles III?

Luckily for many, the coronation of King Charles III has been made a national Bank Holiday meaning a long weekend of celebrations. However, your entitlement to this bank holiday will depend on your employment contract. You can find out your entitlement by looking at your contract of employment. For example If the contract confirms that an employee is entitled to ‘usual’ bank holidays, then the coronation bank holiday on May 8th, 2023 will not be included and it will be at your employer’s discretion to whether you are entitled to take it off as a bank holiday.

Do employers have to pay employees for additional bank holidays?

As mentioned above, you will find out if you are entitled to full pay for the coronation bank holiday 2023 in your contract of employment.

The law states that employers are not legally required to pay for an extra bank holiday, but must follow the terms of an employee’s contract if it includes full payment for such holidays. If not stated in the contract, then your employer is free to choose whether to pay their employees and at what rate.

As we all prepare for the coronation of King Charles III, the need for clarity around bank holiday laws becomes paramount. As we look forward to the coronation and the celebrations that will follow, it’s also important to remember the law surrounding bank holidays and your entitlements as an employee. If you require any further advice or wish to speak to our employment team regarding an employment dispute don’t hesitate to contact the team on 01302 341414 or by filling out our online enquiry form.

Please note: Our Doncaster & Sheffield offices will be closed on Monday 8th May to celebrate the King’s coronation and to mark the bank holiday. Our offices will close at 5pm on Friday 5th May and reopen at 8:45am on Tuesday 9th May.