Statutory Public Holidays Explained
Statutory holidays are legally recognized days when employees may be entitled to time off with pay. This guide explains how statutory holidays work, your rights as an employee, and how different countries handle public holiday compensation.
What Are Statutory Holidays?
Statutory holidays—also known as public holidays, bank holidays, or legal holidays—are days designated by law as holidays. These typically commemorate important national events, religious observances, or cultural traditions.
The term "statutory" means these holidays are established by statute (law), distinguishing them from company holidays or floating holidays that employers may offer voluntarily.
Key Concepts
Paid vs. Unpaid Holidays
In many countries, statutory holidays come with specific pay requirements:
- Paid holiday: Employees receive regular pay even though they don't work
- Holiday premium: Employees who work receive extra pay (e.g., time-and-a-half)
- Compensatory time: Employees who work may receive an alternative day off
Qualifying Requirements
Many countries have requirements employees must meet to qualify for statutory holiday pay:
- Minimum employment period (e.g., 30 days)
- Working the day before and after the holiday
- Not being on unauthorized leave
- Meeting minimum hours worked threshold
Statutory Holidays by Country
United States
The US has 11 federal holidays, but private employers are not required to observe them or provide paid time off:
- • New Year's Day (January 1)
- • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- • Presidents' Day
- • Memorial Day
- • Juneteenth (June 19)
- • Independence Day (July 4)
- • Labor Day
- • Columbus Day
- • Veterans Day (November 11)
- • Thanksgiving Day
- • Christmas Day (December 25)
Federal employees receive these days off with pay. Private sector employees' entitlements depend entirely on their employer's policies.
Canada
Canada has statutory holidays at both federal and provincial levels. Federal holidays include:
- New Year's Day
- Good Friday
- Victoria Day
- Canada Day (July 1)
- Labour Day
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30)
- Thanksgiving
- Remembrance Day (November 11)
- Christmas Day
Employees who work on statutory holidays typically receive their regular wages plus time-and-a-half (1.5x) for hours worked, or compensatory time off.
United Kingdom
The UK has 8 bank holidays in England and Wales (9 in Scotland, 10 in Northern Ireland). These can be counted as part of the statutory 5.6 weeks (28 days) annual leave entitlement:
- New Year's Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- Early May Bank Holiday
- Spring Bank Holiday
- Summer Bank Holiday
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day (December 26)
There's no statutory right to paid time off on bank holidays specifically—they can be included in the overall annual leave entitlement.
Australia
Australia has national public holidays plus additional state-specific holidays:
- New Year's Day
- Australia Day (January 26)
- Good Friday
- Easter Saturday
- Easter Monday
- Anzac Day (April 25)
- Queen's Birthday (varies by state)
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
Australian employees who work on public holidays are typically entitled to penalty rates of 200-250% under modern awards.
Germany
Germany has national holidays plus additional holidays that vary by state (Bundesland). National holidays include:
- New Year's Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- Labour Day (May 1)
- Ascension Day
- Whit Monday
- German Unity Day (October 3)
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
Work is generally restricted on public holidays in Germany. When permitted, premium pay often applies under collective agreements.
How Statutory Holiday Pay is Calculated
Calculation methods vary by country, but common approaches include:
For Employees Who Don't Work
When employees take the holiday off:
- Full day's pay: Regular daily wages
- Average daily earnings: Based on earnings over a period (e.g., 20 days)
- Hourly rate × standard hours: For hourly employees
For Employees Who Work
When employees work on statutory holidays:
- Regular pay + premium: Base pay plus 50-200% extra
- Compensatory time: A day off in lieu of working
- Choice: Employee can choose between premium pay or time off
Rights and Protections
Right to Refuse
In some countries, employees have the right to refuse to work on public holidays unless the request is reasonable. Factors considered may include:
- The nature of the work and its necessity
- Employee's personal circumstances
- Amount of notice given
- Whether premium pay is offered
Anti-Discrimination
Employers should apply holiday policies consistently to avoid discrimination. Considerations include:
- Religious accommodation for employees observing different holidays
- Fair scheduling when holiday work is required
- Equal access to premium pay opportunities
Planning Around Statutory Holidays
For Employees
- Know your country's and region's public holidays
- Understand your employer's holiday pay policy
- Plan annual leave around public holidays to maximize time off
- Volunteer for holiday shifts if premium pay is attractive
For Employers
- Communicate holiday policies clearly to all employees
- Ensure compliance with local statutory requirements
- Plan staffing levels in advance for holidays
- Consider competitive premium rates to attract volunteers
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about statutory holidays. Requirements vary by country, state/province, and industry. This is not legal advice. Consult with local authorities or legal professionals for specific requirements in your jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a statutory holiday?
A statutory holiday (also called a public holiday or bank holiday) is a day designated by law as a holiday when businesses may be required to close and employees are entitled to time off with pay. The specific holidays and entitlements vary by country.
Are employers required to give time off on statutory holidays?
Requirements vary by country. In many countries, employers must give employees time off on statutory holidays or provide premium pay if work is required. In the US, there's no federal requirement for private employers to provide paid holidays or premium pay.
What happens if a statutory holiday falls on a weekend?
Many countries have rules for when holidays fall on weekends. Often, the holiday is observed on the nearest weekday (e.g., Monday if it falls on Sunday). Some countries add the holiday to annual leave instead.
Do part-time employees get statutory holiday pay?
In most countries with statutory holiday requirements, part-time employees are entitled to holiday pay on a pro-rata basis. The specific calculation depends on local laws and employment contracts.
How many statutory holidays do most countries have?
The number varies widely. The US has 11 federal holidays (not mandatory for private employers), the UK has 8 bank holidays, Canada has 6-10+ depending on province, while some countries like India and Brazil have over 15 national holidays.
What is the difference between statutory holidays and annual leave?
Statutory holidays are specific days designated by law (like Christmas or Independence Day), while annual leave is personal time off that employees can take at their discretion. In some countries, like the UK, statutory holidays can be counted as part of annual leave.
Calculate Your Holiday Pay
Use our calculators to estimate your earnings for working on public holidays in your country or state.
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