Can my employer make me work on the Queen’s funeral Bank Holiday? Your rights explained

THE death of Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96 has shocked the UK.

The monarch's funeral will be held today, Monday September 19, after King Charles III approved the day a bank holiday.

Schools and many businesses have closed - but do you have to work today?

Below, we explain your rights and whether you have to head into the office.

Do I have to go to work?

Many workers can take the day off, however the government has said this might not be the case for everyone.

New official guidance says each employer should make their own decision on whether or not staff are given the day off.

That's because despite the King declaring his mother's state funeral a bank holiday, there's no legal requirement for employers to give staff the day off.

A full statement on says: "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.

"The government cannot interfere in existing contractual arrangements between employers and workers.

"However, we would expect that many workers will be able to take the day off on the bank holiday.

It continues: "We also expect employers to respond sensitively to requests from workers who wish to take the day of the funeral off work."

You might work in a job where you have to work the occasional bank holiday.

The government guidance says if you want to take today off, you should discuss it with your employer.