All UK-based Apple stores are reportedly shutting down in the meantime as part of the national mourning of the country. The Cupertino giant will pay respect to the state funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II, which is scheduled for next Monday, Sept. 19.
UK Apple Stores Will Be Closed Soon
(Photo : Ming Yeung/Getty Images)
UK Apple Stores to Stop Operations For the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II
According to a report by Macrumors, the tech firm has informed a UK-based staff that operations in the country will be temporarily halted next week to pave the way for the passing of the Majesty.
The same person said that the Queen's coffin would be transported to London on Wednesday, Sept. 14. Some locations will reportedly have "reduced working capacities" during that time.
Apple has previously paid tribute to the contributions of the Queen in history. In the wake of her death, the iPhone maker has written a special message on its website: "In Memoriam. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. 1926 - 2022."
Although Apple came up with its decision to close its stores on Sept. 19, it should be noted that it's up to the individual businesses if they will continue the operations or close down their physical stores for a moment.
Nevertheless, the government still issued a statement that suggests that employers should be "sensitive" to the requests of their staff when the time comes.
"The government cannot interfere in existing contractual arrangements between employers and workers. However, we would expect that many workers will be able to take the day off on the bank holiday. We also expect employers to respond sensitively to requests from workers who wish to take the day of the funeral off work."
Bank Holidays in the UK
Per an article from 9to5Mac, the UK usually has eight bank holidays yearly. This type of holiday lasts for a day, and this is considered a national holiday.
Normally, it won't go beyond eight holidays, but the government could issue an additional holiday, like in the case of the passing of royal blood.
Some staff could take advantage of this occasion by taking extra leave. They are also entitled to payment during holidays.
Retail firms sometimes have different content on their contracts with their employees. They may require their workers to work during the period with or without extra pay.
Related Article: Apple Commemorates the Life of Queen Elizabeth II in the Wake of Her Death
More About Queen Elizabeth II
Last week, Tech Times reported a piece of interesting news about the Majesty's interest in gaming. According to the tech site, the late Queen loves playing "Wii Sports" so much.
Kate Middleton received the Nintendo Wii console as a present from Prince William. Queen Elizabeth saw the two of them playing and immediately became interested in it, that's why she joined them.
Outside the gaming industry, the Queen Elizabeth II NFTs appeared on OpenSEa a few hours after the world learned about her demise.
Many investors took advantage of this hype and they flooded the crypto marketplace with portraits of one of the UK's most important figures.
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Joseph Henry
