Do you get a day off on Good Friday?

Some people in workplaces around Ireland will be looking forward to an extra long weekend this Easter with Good Friday thrown into the mix, giving them four precious days off.

But why are some places different from others? Are some workers automatically entitled to the day off? Are others compelled to save one of their holiday days to use at the start of Easter weekend? Mary Connaughton, Director of CIPD Ireland is happy to clear up the annual confusion.

“We hear from our members that Good Friday is the day that causes the most confusion for them and their employees. The fact is, it’s just a normal working day. It’s not actually a Public Holiday. So although some workplaces, like banks and the civil service, might have a policy of including it as a day off, not everyone is legally entitled to it. And if you do have to work, you only get a normal day’s pay”.

Mary recommends employers be proactive to address the issue: “Clear communication is never a bad thing in business so it’s best to avoid this annual confusion if possible. We now advise companies to send out a note clarifying their policy several weeks in advance, so workers know where they stand. On the upside, Easter Monday is definitely a Public Holiday – something everyone is entitled to, and if people have to work the day, they’ll earn a day off at another time or pay in lieu”.