Open petition: Legally mandate premium holiday pay for all hospitality workers

Created by Laura Rodia
Closes on 19 April 2027

We call on the Government to introduce legislation that legally entitles all hospitality workers to a mandatory premium pay rate (minimum time-and-a-half) or guaranteed paid time off in lieu for working on official UK Bank Holidays.

Unlike many sectors, the hospitality industry experiences its highest demand during bank holidays. Workers are routinely required to sacrifice time with their families, friends & communities to keep the economy running, yet the current law does not guarantee them a penny of extra pay for doing so. Under current employment law, there is no statutory right to extra pay on bank holidays; it is entirely at the employer's discretion. This can leave low-paid workers vulnerable to burnout & unfair compensation. As part of the Government's commitment to "Make Work Pay" and the introduction of the Employment Rights Act, a mandatory premium rate for holiday shifts should be codified into law. We believe hospitality workers deserve fair compensation for giving up their holidays to serve others.

Sign this petition