Can we all bank on a day off for the King’s coronation?

That’s a question many people are asking ahead of the upcoming event.

King Charles III is due to be crowned on May 6, followed by a celebratory bank holiday on May 8.

But employment experts at Hampshire law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors have warned that the ‘contract is king’ when it comes to time off for the coronation bank holiday.

Partner Kate Brooks, head of employment and HR services, said: “For many people in Hampshire the prospect of a long bank holiday weekend may be the crowning glory of the coronation as a chance to celebrate or join in community activities.

“However, it is not necessarily that straightforward as there is no statutory right to have a public bank holiday off work.

“Ultimately, it depends on the exact wording in an employee’s contract of employment and whether they have the contractual right to the day off."

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She added: “Many contracts entitle an employee to a set number of days of annual leave plus bank holidays without specifying exactly how many.

“But others may be more prescriptive and refer to eight bank holidays or the usual bank holidays, in which case May 8 will not be designated as a bank holiday day off.

“There are other complexities, depending on whether the business chooses to close for the day, whether unpaid dependents leave applies for family circumstances and rates of pay for those that do work.”

According to Kate, employers in the county are advised to decide upon their position and speak to their employees ‘as soon as possible’ to avoid any confusion and possible issues.