Also on Bank Holidays UK: Battle of the Boyne — Northern Ireland Bank Holiday · St Andrew’s Day — Scottish Bank Holiday · Bank Holiday April 2026 — Easter Weekend
2 January — Friday 2026/01/02. Applies in: Scotland only.
When is 2 January?
2 January falls on Friday, 2026/01/02 across Scotland only.
History & meaning
An extra Scottish day reflecting Hogmanay traditions and the long Scottish New Year break.
Where it applies
2 January is observed in: Scotland only
Pay rights on 2 January
UK law does not require employers to give workers paid leave on any bank holiday. Whether 2 January is a paid day off, a normal working day with no enhancement, or a day with extra pay depends entirely on your contract. The most common arrangements are:
- Bank holidays included in 28-day annual leave — you get the day off but it’s deducted from your overall allowance.
- Bank holidays on top of leave — common in office jobs; you get 28 days plus the 8 bank holidays.
- No automatic day off — common in retail, hospitality, NHS rotas; you may work the day on normal pay or on enhanced “premium” pay if your contract includes it.
Read more on bank holiday pay and your entitlement.
What’s open and closed on 2 January
- Banks: closed.
- Royal Mail: no delivery, no collection. More on Royal Mail.
- Big supermarkets: usually open with reduced hours.
- Shops on the high street: mostly open with shorter hours.
- Bins: usually delayed by one day.
- Schools: closed if it falls in term time.
- NHS GP surgeries: closed; A&E and 111 remain available.
Frequently asked
Is 2 January a paid day off?
Not automatically. It depends on your employment contract — see our pay guide.
What date is 2 January in 2026?
Friday, 2026-01-02.
Where is 2 January a bank holiday?
Scotland only.