Can anyone remember when New Years Day became a day off in the UK?

1974, I think.

Whenever it was I was not allowed the day off because of the power cuts and the factory had to be working that day as it had power.

1971 but


"You do not have a statutory right to paid leave on bank and public holidays"

from

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/Workin...dTimeOff/DG_10029788

Thanks for the replies, for some reason I could not get a Google answer.

In Scotland January 2nd is a public holiday as well.

Mark

quote:

In Scotland January 2nd is a public holiday as well.

Most civilized.....

Jim

Pretty much a requirement due to the hangovers........

I remember when it ceased to be a 'holiday of obligation' which meant we no longer needed to get up and go to mass.

quote:

Originally posted by arf005:
Pretty much a requirement due to the hangovers........

I know, Ali and I'll be making good use of it as I'll be up in Edinburgh (down for you obviously) for Hogmanay!

Mark

When I started work in Stockport in 1952, we worked New Years Day, though in neighbouring Manchester it was an established holiday. I was told that this arose during the 1920's and 30's when many workers were transferred from Scottish factories to Manchester, and the New Years Day holiday was offered as an incentive.
Ken

quote:

Originally posted by Chillkram:
In Scotland January 2nd is a public holiday as well.

When my parents married - 1958 I think - Christmas was not a public holiday in Scotland and I am pretty sure Boxing day wasn't until even more recently either.