What are the rules for the Christmas and New Year public holidays this year?
This year Christmas Day and New Year’s Day fall on a Sunday and Boxing Day and the 2nd of January fall on a Monday.
There are no special rules for Boxing Day or the 2nd of January; these public holidays are observed on the days they fall. Special rules will apply to Christmas Day and New Year's Day because they fall on a Sunday.
For employees who normally work on a Sunday, Christmas Day and New Year's Day are observed on that day.
For employees who normally
do not work on Sunday, Christmas Day and New Year's Day are transferred to the following Tuesday (27 December 2011 and 3 January 2012).
View more information on
public holiday entitlements
View more information on what is an
otherwise working day.
Use our Holidays and Leave Tool to work out entitlements for public holidays, and sickness and bereavement leave.
Date Modified: Wednesday, January 18, 2012
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and should not be used as a substitute for legislation or legal advice. State sector employers
and employees may be affected by some differences in the laws that apply to them (e.g. State
Sector Act 1988). The Department of Labour takes no responsibility for the results of any actions taken
on the basis of information on this website, nor for any errors or omissions.
