The day will be a public holiday, announced King Charles III. Although employers are not required to give staff a day off, many may choose to do so and schools are expected to close. In a statement, the government said the holiday “will be a unique national moment and we will encourage employers to respond sensitively to requests from workers who wish to take time off”. “The government cannot interfere with existing contractual arrangements between employers and employees. However, we would expect that many workers will be able to take bank holiday time off,” he added. Major retailers could also close early or remain closed for the day, with millions of people expected to watch the funeral and service in person, online or on television. Which supermarkets will be closed during the Queen’s funeral bank holiday? Waitrose The vast majority of Waitrose stores will close. A “small” number may remain open on the funeral route to accommodate the thousands of people expected to follow the route, the spokesman said.
Sainsbury’s Sainsbury’s has confirmed that all stores will close, with some very limited exceptions. In a statement, they said: “Our convenience stores and petrol stations will be open from 5pm to 10pm to allow our customers to pick up essentials, while selected stores in central London will open to serve in person those who attend the funeral”. Aldi Aldi said it would close all its stores over the bank holiday out of respect for the late monarch. Tesco, Asda and Morrisons It has been reported that the three supermarkets above will close for around four hours during the Queen’s funeral. ITV News has approached the supermarket chains for comment. Marks and Spencer It has been reported that M&S ​​clothing stores will close on Monday and that the business is looking at ways to close more of its food stores or reduce opening hours. Which shops will be closed during the Queen’s funeral bank holiday? Primark Clothing retailer Primark has announced that it will close all of its flagship stores on the day of the Queen’s funeral. Stores will open as normal on Tuesday, September 20. John Lewis John Lewis said its stores would be closed on Monday. John Lewis Partnership chief executive Andrew Murphy said: “We are closing our stores on the day of her funeral as a mark of respect and because we believe it is the right thing for our Partners and customers.” Slow All Argos stores will also be closed on Monday 19 September.