Bristol-headquartered energy group Ovo is to offer its staff the chance to work on most bank holidays and take another day off instead.
The firm, which employs around 4,500 in offices across the UK, said the scheme would boost its approach to flexible working and create a place “where people could invest in their careers while balancing other aspects of their life”. 
The scheme, which will not include Christmas Day, New Year Day or the bank holiday to mark the coronation on May 8, has been introduced as the UK prepares for an unprecedented three bank holidays in May.
It also follows research commissioned by Ovo revealing 72% of UK workers would like to have flexible bank holidays.
Just over half 51% said their main reason for wanting more flexibility was to be able to make special occasions such as weddings, while 34% said they would use the time off for religious and cultural events.
The bank holiday most workers wanted to swap was the late May spring bank holiday, which is on 29 May this year. 
Ovo, Britain’s third-biggest energy retailer with sites in London and Glasgow as well as Bristol, already allows employees to finish early if they have completed all of their objectives for the day or to take time out to go to the gym, walk the dog or collect their child from school.
It also offers unlimited compassionate leave, extra paid leave to recharge after exceptional busy periods, and ‘moments that matter’ leave so they do not have to choose between work and important life events.
Ovo chief people officer Charlotte Eaton said: “At Ovo we understand that fixed bank holidays don’t work for everyone.
“So, having listened to our people as part of our new ‘people offer’, we introduced flexible bank holidays.
“Our community can choose to take their flexible bank holiday on a different day if they prefer – this might be to celebrate their own faith and beliefs, attend a special event, or to simply enjoy their annual leave when the sun is shining.
“We’ve aimed to make our offering as progressive as possible, putting our people first so they can make the choice that works for them and their families.”
Ovo said flexible working also created an environment of inclusivity, giving people from different faiths and backgrounds the opportunity to practise their beliefs how and when they wish.
