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Department for Business and Trade: Festivals and Special Occasions

Asked by Rupert LoweRestore BritainDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 29 April 2025UIN 46317

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what (a) religious and (b) cultural holidays are observed by their Department.

Answered by Justin Madders

In addition to annual leave, DBT grants UK employees eight public holidays and one privilege day, which represents the King’s Official Birthday and can be taken on 23rd or 27th May. The eight public holidays follow public holidays in England and Wales, however, offices in Scotland and Northern Ireland can rearrange days to match local custom.

Overseas employees are granted public holidays depending on their posting, set by their Head of Mission.

Religious or cultural holidays occurring outside of the public and privilege holidays are not subject to additional leave and must be taken as annual leave or flexi leave.

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