Working over Easter

Good Friday

Most businesses legally must be closed on Good Friday.

If your employer is open for business and you:

• choose to work, and
• would usually have worked that Friday, you’ll:
  • be paid at least time and a half — 1.5 times what you’d usually make but only for the hours you work that day
  • get a paid day off to take later, even if you’ve only worked part of a shift — called a day in lieu or alternative holiday.

Days in lieu (alternative holidays)

If you work on Good Friday but you don’t usually work on Fridays, you’ll be paid time and a half. You won’t get a day in lieu.

Easter Sunday

Shops can open on Easter Sunday if the local council lets them.

If your employer is open and you go to work you’ll be paid your usual rate — no time and a half and no paid day off later.

If you usually work Sundays but your employer is closed you won’t get a paid day off unless your employer offers one in your employment agreement.

You don’t have to work on Easter Sunday

Your employer must let you know 4 to 8 weeks before Easter that you can refuse to work on Easter Sunday. 

You must tell your employer you’re not going to work. You must tell them in writing, and within 14 days of your employer telling you can refuse to work.

If you refuse to work on Easter Sunday:

• you don’t have to give a reason
• your employer can’t treat you badly if you refuse to work
• you can raise a personal grievance against your employer if you’re made to work or you’re treated badly for not working.

Restricted shop trading days

Personal grievances

Easter Monday

Normal public holiday rules apply.

Working on public holidays