May bank holidays 2023: How to get 10 days off using just four of annual leave

The additional May bank holiday in 2023 means that workers can enjoy a 10-day break by booking only four days off work.

There will be three bank holidays in May, which is one more than usual.

The extra bank holiday will be on Monday, May 8, the Government has announced. This is due to the coronation of King Charles III, which will take place on Saturday, May 6.

This follows the early May bank holiday on Monday, May 1. A spring bank holiday will then take place on Monday, May 29.

So, how can workers get 10 days off using only four days of holiday?

Here’s everything you need to know.

How can workers get 10 days off using only four days of holiday?

If people take four days off after the May 1 bank holiday - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (May 2, 3, 4 and 5) - they will get 10 days off.

This period counts the previous Saturday and Sunday, as well as the full week beginning on May 1 and the following one from May 8.

There are, however, other dates that workers can take advantage of before then.

How can I get 10 days off over Christmas by booking only four days of holiday?

Booking three days off over Christmas this year will help you have an extended break before next May’s holidays. Boxing Day (December 26) this year is on a Monday, while the following day will be a substitute holiday for Christmas Day, which falls on Sunday.

If you book the following Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday off, (December 28, 29 and 30), you will have 10 days’ break.