If a public holiday falls on a weekend, qualifying employees keep their public holiday entitlement. There is no automatic statutory right to the following Monday off; the employer may instead give time off within a month, extra annual leave or extra pay.
The public holiday stays on its calendar date
Fixed-date holidays such as Christmas Day and St Stephen’s Day can fall on Saturday or Sunday. The statutory public holiday is still that date. A workplace closure on Monday may be how the employer delivers a benefit, but the law does not automatically rename Monday as the public holiday.
What the employer can provide
Where the public holiday is not a normal working day for the business, the practical options are usually a paid day off within one month, an additional day of annual leave or an additional day of pay. The employer selects the option.
Worked scenarios
Christmas Day falls on Saturday. An eligible employee is not automatically entitled to Monday off, but the employer still owes one of the statutory benefits.
An eligible employee normally works Saturday and works the holiday. Pay for those worked hours is due at the agreed rate, and the separate public holiday benefit also remains due.
Part-time employees still need the eligibility test
A part-time employee generally needs 40 hours worked in the previous five weeks. Passing the test does not depend on the business being open on the holiday. Failing the ordinary test can mean no statutory benefit for that holiday even if colleagues receive one.
Why workplace practice can look different
Some employers close on the next weekday, some add leave and others make an extra payment. Contracts, collective agreements or a more favourable established practice may also promise a particular arrangement. Distinguish that workplace promise from the statutory minimum.
How to check the result
- Identify the actual statutory holiday date.
- Confirm full-time or part-time eligibility.
- Check whether the day is normally worked.
- Ask which statutory benefit was selected.
- Verify the payslip or leave balance after the holiday.
Check your entitlement
Use your employment type and hours to check whether the weekend holiday benefit applies.
Check entitlementFrequently asked questions
Do I get Monday off if a bank holiday is on Saturday?
Not automatically. The public holiday benefit is still due to a qualifying employee, but there is no automatic legal right to Monday off.
Does the holiday move to Monday?
No. The statutory holiday remains on its calendar date, although the employer may choose a day off within one month as the benefit.
What if I normally work Saturdays?
Your normal roster affects pay and the form of the benefit. If you work the public holiday, pay for hours worked is separate from the holiday benefit.
Do part-time staff qualify for a weekend holiday?
They generally qualify if they worked at least 40 hours in the previous five weeks.
Can the employer add a day to annual leave?
Yes. An additional day of annual leave is one of the statutory benefit options.
Official sources
Rules and thresholds can change. Check the source that applies to your circumstances before making an important decision.
Important: This guide provides general information for workers in Ireland. It does not replace your contract, payroll records, official guidance or advice on a disputed or unusual case.