As the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend approaches, Royal Mail has announced adjustments to its delivery and collection schedules, ensuring that customers are informed about when to expect their mail. The holiday weekend is a significant time for many, with families and friends coming together to celebrate, and Royal Mail is keen to keep the public updated on service changes.
Royal Mail has stated that during the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend, deliveries will be affected, particularly on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. On Good Friday, April 18, 2025, Royal Mail will operate a limited service, with no deliveries taking place on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. However, regular service will resume on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, allowing customers to receive their mail as usual.
In addition to Royal Mail’s schedule changes, many businesses across the UK will also modify their operating hours during the bank holiday. This raises questions for employees regarding their rights and responsibilities on such holidays. While some workers will enjoy a day off, others may be required to work as if it were a regular day.
For those wondering about the legality of working on a bank holiday in the UK, the government website clarifies that it is perfectly legal for employers to ask employees to work. “Bank or public holidays do not have to be given as paid leave,” it states. Employers can choose to include bank holidays as part of a worker’s statutory annual leave. This means that while some employees may have the day off, others may find themselves clocking in as usual.
Employers may also offer incentives for working on bank holidays, such as providing days off in lieu for employees to use at their discretion. It’s essential for workers to understand their company’s policy regarding bank holidays to avoid any surprises.
This year, several bank holidays remain on the calendar for 2025, including:
- Good Friday - April 18
- Easter Monday - April 21
- Early May - May 5
- Spring - May 26
- Summer - August 25
- Christmas Day - December 25
- Boxing Day - December 26
As families plan their holiday activities, many may also be considering visits to local garden centres, which often adjust their opening hours during bank holidays. If you’re planning a trip to your local garden centre, it’s crucial to check their specific hours, as they can vary widely.
For instance, Haskins will be open on Good Friday and Saturday from 9am to 6pm, but will close on Easter Sunday, reopening on Easter Monday during the same hours. Dobbies stores will also close on Easter Sunday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, while their Scottish locations will operate from 9am to 6pm.
British Garden Centres will close on Easter Sunday but will maintain regular hours on the other days. Blue Diamond garden centres will be open on Good Friday and Easter Monday from 9am to 5:30pm, with normal trading hours on Saturday. Hilliers, which operates more than 20 sites in southern England, will have limited Easter Sunday opening for its restaurant only, while its other facilities will follow usual hours.
Notcutts garden centres will be open as usual throughout the weekend, except for Easter Sunday when they will be closed. Normal hours of 9am to 6pm will apply on Good Friday, Saturday, and Easter Monday.
With various options available, garden centres are a great destination for sourcing new plants, pots, or simply enjoying a slice of cake and a cup of tea. As the Easter weekend unfolds, customers are encouraged to plan ahead and check their local garden centres’ websites or social media pages for the most accurate opening times.
In summary, the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend brings a mix of service adjustments from Royal Mail and changes in business hours across the UK. While many will enjoy time off with family and friends, it’s essential to stay informed about work obligations and local business hours to make the most of the holiday.
