Bank holidays 2018 dates in UK: When is the August bank holiday this year?

Do these glorious summer days feel like they're slipping away whilst you're stuck inside at work?

The good news is that we've got one day spare in August to enjoy the great outdoors (weather permitting, of course).

Here’s everything you need to know…

What is a bank holiday?

A bank holiday essentially means a public holiday. Launched by Liberal politician and banker Sir John Lubbock in 1871, it was introduced as a way of giving workers respite.

It was stated that on four days across the year, people shouldn’t be expected to do what they wouldn’t do on Christmas Day. Now, England has eight bank holidays across the year including Good Friday and Christmas Day and they differ in Ireland and Scotland.

Why is it called a ‘bank’ holiday?

The reason it’s called a bank holiday is because historically it was the day banks closed and that meant nobody else could work - there were no computers back then and business tended only to be able to function when other services were open but don’t highlight that too much to your employer…

Does everyone get a bank holiday?

Under law, employers aren’t obliged to give you bank holidays off so make sure you find out what you’re entitled to before you sign your contract.

When is the August bank holiday?

This year the August bank holiday will fall on Monday 27.

When are the rest of the bank holidays in 2018?

So far we’ve had…

New Year's Day: Monday 1 January

Good Friday: Friday 30 March

Easter Monday: Monday 2 April

Early May bank holiday: Monday 7 May

Late May bank holiday: Monday 28 May

Coming up…

Summer bank holiday: Monday 27 August

Christmas Day: Tuesday 25 December

Boxing Day: Wednesday 26 December