Bank holiday for the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II

The UK Government has announced that Monday 19 September, the date of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral, will be a national bank holiday. This will allow individuals, businesses and other organisations to pay their respects to her Majesty and commemorate her reign, while marking the final day of the period of national mourning.

In accordance with other UK bank holidays, optical practices are not contractually required to be open to the public. The decision to open the practice sits with each individual contractor.

Contractors will have received this advice via a letter from NHS England. For clarity, there is no need for contractors to notify NHS England or their ICB.

We’ve produced employment advice for members around the bank holiday for the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

The AOP office and phonelines will be closed for the national bank holiday next Monday 19 September, and will re-open from 9am on Tuesday 20 September.