09 September 2022
A message from Tim Keeping, Chair of GO! Southampton:
The GO! Southampton team are deeply saddened following yesterday’s news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s passing. Our condolences and thoughts are with the Prince of Wales and the members of the Royal Family at this time.
Following the news last week, the Government has announced that Monday 19 September will be a national bank holiday to mark Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral. This will be the last day of the period of national mourning.
Please see below some information which may be useful for businesses, taken from the latest press release on the Government website:
Does this bank holiday mean individuals can have the day off work?
This is a matter for discussion between individuals and their employer. There is no statutory entitlement to time off for bank holidays, but employers may include bank holidays as part of a worker’s leave entitlement.
If an individual will have work on the day of the funeral – will they be paid extra?
This is a matter for discussion between employers and employees. There are no statutory rules regarding extra pay on bank holidays.
If an individual has annual leave booked for the day of the funeral – will they be able to reclaim this leave?
This is a matter for discussion between employers and employees.
Will the bank holiday to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral be an annual holiday?
There are currently no plans for an annual holiday.
Will schools be closed on the day of the bank holiday?
Yes, schools will be closed. The Government is not asking them to remain open on the day of the bank holiday.
Other information
Southampton’s commemorations
Details of what is happening in Southampton to commemorate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II can be found on the Southampton City Council website here.
This page will be updated when more information becomes available.
Government guidance
The Government’s Guide for the Period of National Mourning can be found here. Please note this is yet to be updated.
There is also a main page for Government information on arrangements and latest updates available here. Below is information is taken from The Demise of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: National Mourning Guidance.
Business operation
There is no obligation on organisations to suspend business during the National Mourning period. Depending on the nature and location of their business and the tone of planned events, some businesses may wish to consider closing or postponing events, especially on the day of the State Funeral, however this is at the discretion of individual businesses. Public services will continue as usual, although there may be some changes to service availability. Further guidance on any potential considerations relating to the day of the State Funeral will be issued if needed
Events
There is no obligation to cancel or postpone events and sporting fixtures, or close entertainment venues during the National Mourning period. This is at the discretion of individual organisations. As a mark of respect, organisations might wish to consider cancelling or postponing events or closing venues on the day of the State Funeral. They are under no obligation to do so and this is entirely at the discretion of individual organisations
Flags
Businesses or other organisations wishing to pay their respects by half-masting flags or holding silence. All official flags, including the Union Flag, should be half-masted from as soon as possible today until 8am the day after The Queen’s State Funeral. Flags may be flown overnight during this period but should remain at half-mast. If businesses have flags, please see the current guidance on what to do here.
We will update this page on our website with guidance and information when we find out more.