Boxing Day 2026 – Reminder to all contractors

Reminder to All Contractors

As December 26th falls on a Saturday this year (2026), a substitute Bank Holiday in place of the normal Boxing Day will fall on Monday 28th December.

Contractors will therefore not be expected to open on 28th December unless directed to or they wish to.

Saturday 26th December 2026 is considered a “normal working day” and, unless you give notice to reduce your hours, you are expected to be open your normal hours.

However, should you normally open on a Saturday under supplementary opening hours, but wish to close this day to allow your staff a longer festive period, then you can apply to the EMPCT to reduce your supplementary hours, giving at least 5 weeks notice of the intended reduction.

You must use the Annex 9 form Notification of a decrease in the total number of supplementary opening hours

Once completed you need to submit your form to the East Midlands Pharmacy Team email address: england.eastmidspharmacy@nhs.net