Easter is a significant holiday for many people worldwide, but its status as a bank holiday varies by country. In the United Kingdom, Easter Sunday has recently been added to the list of official bank holidays, joining other holidays like Good Friday and Easter Monday. This change will impact businesses and services across the country in 2024.
Is Easter a Bank Holiday in the UK?
Historically, Easter Sunday has not been an official bank holiday in the United Kingdom. However, this is set to change in 2024, thanks in part to the efforts of online retailer Amazon.
The decision to add Easter Sunday to the bank holiday list comes as welcome news to many workers who will now have an extra day off to spend with family and friends. It also means that businesses and services will need to adjust their schedules accordingly.
Easter Sunday Added to UK Bank Holiday List
The addition of Easter Sunday to the UK’s official bank holiday list was confirmed by Amazon employee Julia_Amzn. This change comes after feedback from sellers on the platform, who highlighted the importance of having Easter Sunday recognized as a holiday.
Amazon’s decision to update its 2024 bank holiday calendar reflects the company’s commitment to listening to its seller community and making changes that benefit both buyers and sellers. By adding Easter Sunday to the list of holidays, Amazon is acknowledging the significance of this day for many people in the UK.
Other UK Bank Holidays in 2024
In addition to Easter Sunday, there are several other bank holidays in the UK throughout the year. These include:
- Good Friday (March 29)
- Easter Monday (April 1)
- Early May Bank Holiday (May 6)
- Spring Bank Holiday (May 27)
- Summer Bank Holiday (August 26)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
- Boxing Day (December 26)
It’s worth noting that in Scotland, the 2nd of January is also recognized as an official holiday. However, this is not the case in the rest of the UK.
Easter Bank Holiday Business Hours
With Easter Sunday now being recognized as a bank holiday in the UK, many businesses and services will be adjusting their hours of operation. It’s important for consumers to be aware of these changes to avoid any inconvenience.
Bank Hours on Easter
Most banks in the UK will be closed on Easter Sunday, including major institutions like JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Capital One. However, some banks like Wells Fargo may still be open, so it’s best to check with your local branch for their specific hours.
If you need to access your accounts on Easter Sunday, you can use online banking services or mobile apps. For example, the City National Bank App allows customers to perform various transactions, such as checking balances, transferring money, and depositing checks, all from their mobile device.
Delivery Services on Easter
Many delivery services will also be impacted by the Easter Sunday bank holiday. The United States Postal Service (USPS) will be closed on Easter, with no regular mail deliveries. However, Priority Mail Express will still be delivered.
Similarly, UPS and FedEx will not be offering their standard pickup and delivery services on Easter Sunday. However, urgent shipments can still be arranged through services like UPS Express Critical and FedEx Custom Critical, which operate 365 days a year.
Retail Store Hours on Easter
Retail store hours on Easter Sunday will vary, with some businesses choosing to stay open while others close for the holiday. Walmart, for example, will be open regular hours on Easter, while Target and Costco will be closed.
It’s always a good idea to check with your local stores for their specific Easter hours to avoid any disappointment or wasted trips.
When is Easter in 2024?
Easter Sunday falls on March 31 in 2024. This date may seem early compared to some other years, but it’s important to remember that Easter is a moveable feast.
Easter as a Moveable Feast
Unlike holidays like Christmas, which falls on the same date every year, Easter is a moveable feast. This means that its date changes from year to year based on a combination of lunar and solar calendars.
The exact date of Easter is determined by the first full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox. This can result in Easter falling anywhere between March 22 and April 25.
Other moveable feasts in the Christian liturgical calendar include Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, and Palm Sunday, which falls one week before Easter.
See also:
- Is Good Friday a Bank Holiday? – Everything You Need to Know
- Is Patriots Day a Bank Holiday? What’s Open and Closed
- Is Veterans Day a Bank Holiday – Everything You Need to Know
- Is Presidents Day a Bank Holiday? Find Out Here!
- Is St. Patrick’s Day a Bank Holiday? Explained