Culture and Holidays

Languages

The United Kingdom is a multilingual workplace environment, with English and regional languages used across industries. While English dominates corporate settings, regional languages are widely spoken in government and business sectors, particularly in Wales and Scotland. Workplaces often operate in a bilingual or multilingual manner, depending on the industry and region.​

In government offices and public sector organizations, English and regional languages are commonly used for internal communication and documentation. The UK recognizes several regional languages, with devolved administrations prioritizing their regional languages — such as Welsh in Wales, Scottish Gaelic in Scotland, and Irish in Northern Ireland.​

The manufacturing and retail sectors rely on local languages for daily operations, especially in labor-intensive industries. Factories, warehouses, and construction sites primarily use English or regional languages, while management-level communication may be in English.​

In customer service, language use depends on clientele. English is common for domestic and international customer support, while many companies also hire speakers of Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, Irish, and other regional languages to cater to regional customers.

Workplace norms and professional etiquette

Workplace culture in the United Kingdom values professionalism, punctuality, and respectful communication. While organizational hierarchies exist, collaboration and individual initiative are encouraged across most industries.

Workplace hierarchy and authority

Decision-making is often consultative, especially in mid-sized and large firms. Managers are accessible, and open dialogue is welcomed in meetings and team discussions.

Email and phone etiquette

Business emails are typically concise and polite, starting with a greeting and ending with a formal sign-off. Phone calls often include brief introductions before addressing business matters directly.

Meeting etiquette and punctuality

Punctuality is expected, and agendas are often circulated in advance. Meetings generally follow a structured format with space for input and discussion.

Professional dress code

Attire varies by industry, with formal business wear common in finance and law, and business casual or smart casual prevalent in tech, education, and creative sectors.

National holidays

Employees are entitled to the following paid public holidays that are collectively recognized in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland:   

• Jan. 1: New Year’s Day 
• Good Friday, the Friday immediately before Easter Sunday 
• Early May Bank Holiday, generally the first Monday in May 
• Spring Bank Holiday, also known as the Late May Bank Holiday, the last Monday in May 
• Summer Bank Holiday, which for Scotland is recognized as the first Monday in August and for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland is recognized as the last Monday in August 
• Dec. 25: Christmas Day 
• Dec. 26: Boxing Day 



England and Wales: The additional public holiday recognized by England and Wales is:  

• Easter Monday, the Monday immediately after Easter Sunday 

Scotland The additional public holidays recognized by Scotland are: 

• Jan. 2: The second day of the new Gregorian Calendar year 
• Nov. 30: St. Andrew's Day.

Northern Ireland The additional public holidays recognized by Northern Ireland are:

• March 17: St. Patrick's Day
• Easter Monday, the Monday immediately after Easter Sunday 
• July 12: Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen's Day) 

Employers are not legally required to provide paid leave on public holidays unless stated in the employment contract. However, most full-time workers receive paid time off or an alternative day of leave. 

Public holiday entitlements are included in the statutory 5.6 weeks of annual leave. If employees work on a public holiday, employers may offer extra pay or compensatory leave, depending on the company policy.