How Many Working Days in a Year? | UK Guide

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How Many Working Days in a Year? UK Guide

In the UK, the average number of working days in a standard year is 253. This is based on a 365-day year, minus 104 weekend days (52 Saturdays and 52 Sundays), and minus 8 public (bank) holidays observed in England and Wales.

For people working full-time, this equates to just over 21 working days per month, on average.

UK Bank Holidays in 2025 (England & Wales)

  • New Year's Day – Wednesday, 1 January

  • Good Friday – Friday, 18 April

  • Easter Monday – Monday, 21 April

  • Early May Bank Holiday – Monday, 5 May

  • Spring Bank Holiday – Monday, 26 May

  • Summer Bank Holiday – Monday, 25 August

  • Christmas Day – Thursday, 25 December

  • Boxing Day – Friday, 26 December

Note: Scotland and Northern Ireland have additional holidays, and substitute days may apply if a holiday falls on a weekend.

Strategies to Maximise Your Annual Leave in 2025

With most UK workers entitled to 28 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays), the key to getting more rest is strategic booking — using your days off around bank holidays and weekends.

Easter Break

  • Bank Holidays: Good Friday (18 April) & Easter Monday (21 April)

  • Book off: 14–17 April and 22–25 April

  • Total days off: 16 consecutive days off (12–27 April) using 8 days of leave

Early May Bank Holiday

  • Bank Holiday: Monday, 5 May

  • Book off: 6–9 May

  • Total days off: 9 days (3–11 May) using 4 days of leave

Spring Bank Holiday

  • Bank Holiday: Monday, 26 May

  • Book off: 27–30 May

  • Total days off: 9 days (24 May–1 June) using 4 days of leave

Summer Bank Holiday

  • Bank Holiday: Monday, 25 August

  • Book off: 26–29 August

  • Total days off: 9 days (23–31 August) using 4 days of leave

Christmas & New Year

  • Bank Holidays: Christmas Day (25 Dec), Boxing Day (26 Dec), New Year’s Day (1 Jan)

  • Book off: 22–24 December and 29–31 December

  • Total days off: 16 days (20 Dec–4 Jan) using just 6 days of leave

Tips to Get the Most from Your Leave

  • Plan early: Many people aim for the same popular weeks. Book before everyone else does.

  • Know your policy: Some workplaces don’t allow extended time off in peak seasons — check before you plan.

  • Use half-days cleverly: Sometimes a half-day on a Friday is all you need to create a long weekend.

  • Consider flexible or remote working: Where allowed, a working holiday or “workcation” can extend time away.

Final Thought

With some planning, you can stretch your holiday allowance well beyond what’s on paper. By combining annual leave with bank holidays and weekends, you can create multiple long breaks without burning through all your days. Whether you're after a week abroad or just some time to recharge, smart booking makes all the difference.