August 26th 2024.
It was the August Bank holiday in 2023 and, just like every year, I found myself stuck in my home office. The weather outside wasn't exactly enticing - it was muggy and cloudy, definitely not beach weather. But even if it had been a beautiful sunny day, I probably wouldn't have ventured out. You see, where I live on the south coast, things can get a bit chaotic during the holiday period. The quiet and rural area I usually call home becomes overrun by tourists, causing major traffic jams on routes like the M27 and A3. Last year, I made the decision to work through the holiday, and I'm sure many other self-employed and freelance workers like myself did the same. It's not an easy choice, but with no holiday pay, we often have to prioritize income over relaxation.
The question "What is a weekend?" from Downton Abbey's Dowager Countess of Grantham certainly resonates with many freelancers who may find themselves asking "What is a bank holiday?" Given the lack of holiday pay, it's no surprise that many of us end up working through these supposedly relaxing days. But this year, unless I receive a last-minute invitation from family or friends, I'll be happily working through the holiday once again. I'm not suggesting that we should do away with paid public holidays altogether, especially when compared to other European countries, the UK has a relatively low number of holidays - just eight in England and Wales, nine in Scotland, and ten in Northern Ireland.
What I do wonder is why we are forced to take a specific day off when it comes to bank holidays. Why can't we have the freedom to choose when to take our paid days off? Of course, in certain industries like factories, it may not be feasible to have everyone take off different days, as it could disrupt production and safety. But for other jobs, it seems unfair to dictate when employees should have their day off. After all, these holidays are often included in statutory leave, so why not give workers the option to work on a bank holiday and take another day off instead? It's a more flexible approach that many people would appreciate, as shown by a recent study that revealed nearly three-quarters of UK workers would like the option to choose their bank holidays.
Of course, I'm not saying that we should eliminate all bank holidays. Some, like Christmas and Boxing Day, hold special significance for many people. But what about other cultural and religious holidays that are often overlooked, like Eid or Diwali? It would be nice to have the freedom to celebrate these occasions without having to justify taking a day off work. Some companies, like OVO, have already implemented a flexible policy where employees can work through bank holidays and take a different day off when it suits them. It's a win-win situation for both employers and employees.
But I know there will be some who argue that it's too complicated to change the current system, and what would happen if everyone wanted the same day off, like during a big weekday match in the World Cup? However, smart employers can already accommodate for these situations, as seen when supermarkets Tesco and Sainsbury's closed early for the England v Spain Euros final, or when fitness company Gymshark gave their UK-based workers the day off after the match. And with 365 days in a year, it's highly unlikely that a large number of employees would all choose the same day to take off.
As a sole trader writer, bank holidays can often be more of a hindrance than a holiday. It's not just about the extra hassle and fewer people to reach for quotes - it's also about the lack of services available on these days. While some emergency services may still be operating, other essential services like HMRC's phone helpline are closed. It's ironic that on a day when many people may finally have time to attend to their tax issues, they can't because of the holiday.
If it were up to me, I would keep Christmas and Boxing Day as paid bank holidays, and then give workers the option to choose whether they want to work on the other bank holidays and take the day off at a more convenient time. It would lead to a happier and more content workforce, with the freedom to take days off that hold more meaning to them. And as for me, if I were in a traditional job, I would gladly work through the soggy Spring bank holidays and New Year's Day, to save up for a few sunny Fridays in September. There's nothing quite like basking in the last bit of summer sun on a quiet beach before autumn sets in.
Do you have a story to share about bank holidays? Let's start a conversation in the comments below.
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