General legal information about contract terms in the UK, not legal advice.
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Business day

A business day is usually defined as a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday. Defining it matters for payment dates and notice periods.

Prepared by a retired English qualified solicitor (LLB, LLM) · reviewed · applies across the UK unless stated · how we draft

In more detail

Because bank holidays differ between England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, the definition should say which location's holidays count.

In Scotland

Scottish bank holidays differ from those in England, so contracts with Scottish parties often refer to holidays in Scotland or in both jurisdictions.

Put it into a contract

Be Contract Wise provides very powerful, carefully prepared tools to draft and review simple or complex contracts under the law of England and Wales or Scots law, explaining every clause in plain English.

England & Wales appScotland app

Reviewed 2026-09-24. General legal information, not legal advice.