Working Hours 2026 - United Kingdom
Complete guide to working hours, public holidays, and annual leave in the United Kingdom for 2026
Working Hours and Leave in the United Kingdom 2026
Standard Work Week
- 8 hours per day
- 5 days per week
- 40 hours per week
Under the Working Time Regulations 1998, workers may not work more than an average of 48 hours per week, measured over a 17-week reference period. Workers may voluntarily opt out of this limit by written agreement with their employer.
Annual Leave Entitlement
28 days
28 days minimum (including bank holidays) or 5.6 weeks.
Monthly Averages
- 21.2 working days/month
- 169.3 working hours/month
Monthly Working Hours Goals 2026
Expected working hours per month based on 8-hour workday, excluding weekends and public holidays.
| Month | Working Days | Monthly Goal |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | 21 | 168.00 |
| February 2026 | 20 | 160.00 |
| March 2026 | 22 | 176.00 |
| April 2026 | 20 | 160.00 |
| May 2026 | 19 | 152.00 |
| June 2026 | 22 | 176.00 |
| July 2026 | 23 | 184.00 |
| August 2026 | 21 | 168.00 |
| September 2026 | 22 | 176.00 |
| October 2026 | 22 | 176.00 |
| November 2026 | 21 | 168.00 |
| December 2026 | 21 | 168.00 |
| Total | 254 | 2,032.00 |
Public Holidays in the United Kingdom 2026
United Kingdom has 8 public holidays in 2026, with 7 falling on weekdays. See full public holidays list
Understanding Holiday Types
Different countries use different terminology for non-working days. Here is what each term means for workforce planning.
Public Holidays
Official days off recognized by a country’s government. Most employees are entitled to paid leave, and businesses may close or operate with reduced staff.
Federal Holidays
Holidays established by a national government, primarily affecting government offices and federally-regulated employers. Private companies may choose whether to observe them.
Bank Holidays
Days when banks and financial institutions are closed. In the UK, this term is synonymous with public holidays. Important for payroll processing and payment schedules.
Observances
Notable dates that are not official days off. Examples include Earth Day or Mother’s Day. These do not affect work schedules unless an employer chooses to recognize them.
| Date | Day | Holiday | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day (New Year's Day) | |
| Fri, Apr 3 | Friday | Good Friday | |
| Mon, Apr 6 | Monday | Easter Monday | |
| Mon, May 4 | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday | |
| Mon, May 25 | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday | |
| Fri, Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | |
| Sat, Dec 26 | Saturday | Boxing Day | Weekend |
| Mon, Dec 28 | Monday | Boxing Day (substitute) |
Turn working days into tracked hours
Free time tracking for teams. Log hours against projects, approve timesheets, and export reports for invoicing.