The King has approved an order that the day of the Queen's funeral will be a bank holiday.
The confirmation that the Queen’s funeral will be a national bank holiday means that millions of Brits could get the day off work. The government has announced this afternoon (Saturday) that Her Majesty’s funeral will be at 11am on Monday, September 19, and will be a bank holiday for the whole of the UK.
However, this doesn't automatically mean that you are entitled to time off work. New guidance from authorities confirms that each employer needs to make their own decision on whether or not they will give staff the day off.
READ MORE: Bank Holiday announced to mark the Queen's state funeral
Gov.uk said the Bank Holiday "will allow individuals, businesses and other organisations to pay their respects to Her Majesty and commemorate Her reign, while marking the final day of the period of national mourning."
They added: "This bank holiday will operate in the same way as other bank holidays, and there is no statutory entitlement to time off. Employers may include bank holidays as part of a worker’s leave entitlement."
They reiterated that not all employers will allow the day off work as they gave guidance to businesses. They said: "The government cannot interfere in existing contractual arrangements between employers and workers.
"However, we would expect that many workers will be able to take the day off on the bank holiday. We also expect employers to respond sensitively to requests from workers who wish to take the day of the funeral off work."
The guidance says that workers should discuss with their employers whether or not they can take a lieu day, be paid extra for working that day or reclaim annual leave. They said each point is "a matter for discussion between you and your employer."
The website also states that schools will be closed on the day of the funeral meaning that children can stay at home. Because of this many working parents will be hoping they can get time off to look after their little ones, and also remember Her Majesty.
Queen Elizabeth II will lie in state for four days before the funeral, in Westminster Hall, and from there, the funeral procession will travel to Westminster Abbey. Her final resting place will be St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
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