2026 is fast approaching and forward planning is key for HR teams looking to stay ahead of compliance deadlines, payroll changes and wellbeing initiatives. Having a clear overview of key dates throughout the year helps you stay organised, proactive and ready for anything that comes your way.
Here’s a round-up of the essential dates to mark in your 2026 HR calendar.
Saturday 31st January – Deadline to Submit a Self Assessment Tax Return (2024–25)
This is the final day for anyone who needs to file their Self Assessment tax return for the 2024–25 tax year. HR teams should remind any employees with freelance or self-employed income to get their returns submitted on time. It’s also a great opportunity to review contractor processes and ensure your organisation’s tax arrangements are in good order.
March – Women’s History Month (Including International Women’s Day – 8th March)
March celebrates the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. International Women’s Day, on 8th March, highlights women’s social, economic, cultural and political impact, while promoting equality and inclusion.
HR teams can use this month to showcase female talent, host internal events, review pay equity and ensure workplace policies support gender balance and family-friendly practices.
Tuesday 31st March – End of the Financial Year
As the financial year comes to an end, HR should ensure that records are up to date and accurate. Review benefits, salary adjustments and pension contributions, and make sure everything is aligned for the new tax year. It’s also a good time to carry out payroll audits and compliance checks.
April 2026 – National Wage Increase
Each April, the UK Government reviews and typically increases the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage in line with recommendations from the Low Pay Commission. For 2026, the central estimate suggests a rise to £12.71 per hour – an increase of around 4.1%, with a projected range between £12.55 and £12.86.
HR teams should update payroll systems, review contracts, communicate changes to employees and assess any impact on pay structures and budgets.
Monday 6th April – Start of the New Tax Year
The new tax year begins on 6th April. HR teams should implement any updates to payroll, pension schemes, or tax codes, ensuring all adjustments are processed and communicated clearly. This is also a good opportunity to check compliance with auto-enrolment regulations and review pension arrangements.
Friday 1st May – International Workers’ Day
International Workers’ Day celebrates the contributions of employees across all industries. HR teams can mark the day by reinforcing messages around workplace rights, wellbeing and fair treatment, or by running initiatives that promote engagement and work–life balance.
11th-17th May 2026 – Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week is the UK’s biggest mental health campaign, running from 11th–17th May 2026.
It’s a great opportunity for HR teams to spotlight wellbeing and mental health across the organisation. Encourage open conversations, provide mental health resources, host workshops or introduce wellbeing initiatives to support staff.
June – Pride Month
Pride Month celebrates diversity and inclusion, particularly for LGBTQ+ communities. HR can use this month to review policies, refresh inclusion training, celebrate employee networks and create opportunities for education and allyship in the workplace.
8th–14th June – Men’s Health Week
Men’s Health Week focuses on improving men’s physical and mental health through awareness and action. HR teams can promote wellbeing campaigns, organise health check-ups and encourage staff to make use of support services such as Employee Assistance Programmes.
October – Black History Month
Black History Month celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Black people across the UK and beyond. HR can support through internal events, talks and learning opportunities.
October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month provides a chance to raise awareness about early detection and health screening. HR teams can get involved through fundraising, awareness campaigns or health initiatives.
Saturday 10th October – World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is one of the key wellbeing dates in the calendar. Use this opportunity to remind staff of mental health resources, offer workshops or wellbeing sessions and encourage conversations that promote awareness and reduce stigma.
November – Movember (Men’s Health Awareness Month)
Throughout November, the focus is on men’s health – including prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental wellbeing. HR can support Movember through fundraising, awareness campaigns and wellbeing activities to get staff engaged and informed.
Wednesday 11th November – Armistice Day
Armistice Day is a time for remembrance and reflection. Many workplaces observe a two-minute silence at 11am to honour those who served in the armed forces. HR can encourage this gesture of respect and community.
2026 Bank Holidays
- Thursday 1st January 2026 – New Year’s Day
- Friday 3rd April – Good Friday
- Monday 6th April – Easter Monday
- Monday 4th May – Early May Bank Holiday
- Monday 25th May – Spring Bank Holiday
- Monday 31st August – Summer Bank Holiday
- Friday 25th December – Christmas Day
- Monday 28th December – Boxing Day (substitute day)
Additional dates to note for 2026
- 17th February – Random Acts of Kindness Day Encourage kindness and positivity across the workplace with small acts of appreciation or team challenges.
- 18th February – 19th March – Ramadan (estimated) Support Muslim colleagues observing the holy month of fasting by offering flexibility, understanding and cultural awareness.
- 17th February – Chinese New Year (Year of the Horse) Celebrate cultural diversity and inclusion in your workplace by recognising Lunar New Year festivities.
- 6th March – Employee Appreciation Day A great opportunity to recognise and reward the hard work and dedication of your team.
- 7th April – World Health Day Highlight health and wellbeing initiatives and encourage employees to prioritise their physical and mental health.
- 6th April – Pension Schemes Start of the New Tax Year A reminder for HR and payroll teams to review pension contributions and auto-enrolment compliance.
- 20th May – International Human Resources Day Celebrate the HR profession and recognise your own team’s contribution to people and culture.
- May (TBC) – Equality, Diversity and Human Rights Week An NHS-led campaign promoting fairness, respect and inclusion across workplaces. Promote positive working relationships and teamwork across your organisation.
- 7th August – Cycle to Work Day Encourage sustainable commuting and healthy habits by supporting staff who cycle to work.
- October (TBC) – National Inclusion Week Promote belonging and inclusive culture in the workplace through events and discussions
- November (TBC) – National Stress Awareness Week Highlight the importance of managing stress and supporting mental health in the workplace.
- November (TBC) – National Self-Care Week Encourage employees to take time for their physical and emotional wellbeing.
- 10th December – Human Rights Day Reflect on equality and human rights globally and locally, a meaningful day for company values and ethics.
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