UK Business and Bank Hours
UK business hours vary by sector, but a 09:00 to 17:30 working day is the usual pattern in offices.
Typical hours
Offices usually run 09:00 to 17:30 on Monday to Friday. High-street banks generally open from about 09:00 to 17:00, although many branches have shorter hours. The London Stock Exchange trades from 08:00 to 16:30 London time.
Sunday and bank holidays
In England and Wales large shops can open for six hours on Sunday between 10:00 and 18:00. Bank holidays differ slightly in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and many businesses close.
Frequently asked questions
What time do UK banks close?
Most high-street branches close at 17:00 or earlier, and many close at lunchtime on some days. Online banking is available all day.
Clock change guides
- What Is Daylight Saving Time (DST)? A Plain-English GuideWhat daylight saving time is, how it works in the UK, Europe and the US, why it exists, its history, who uses it and the argument over scrapping it.
- Why Do the Clocks Go Back in October? The Real ReasonThe clocks go back in autumn to return the UK to GMT, so winter mornings are lighter. The history, the rule, what time it happens and what changes for you.
- When Do the Clocks Go Forward Again After Going Back?When the UK clocks go forward again after the autumn change, how long the UK stays on GMT, when evenings get lighter and how to remember to reset your clocks.