The beginning of 2026 will be marked by a regulation that extends the rest period beyond the year traditional holiday of the new year. Many families wonder if they can enjoy this long weekend or plan special activities thanks to recent changes to the work calendar.
The answer comes with you Supreme Decree No. 042-2025-PCMpublished by the Executive, which designates Friday, January 2, as a day off for the public sector, thereby adding an additional day to the usual rest period.
The outlook for late 2025 and early 2026 includes two major periods of extended calm. The first began on Thursday December 25th, the day on which Christmas was celebrated, and was extended thanks to the declaration of Friday the 26th as a day off for public servants.
Now the second period is approaching: it begins on Thursday, January 1st, a New Year’s holiday, and is extended with the non-working day set for Friday, January 2nd.
This measure allows many people to organize family reunions, outings or simply take the opportunity to relax before resuming their daily activities. The possibility of spending several consecutive days of rest raises expectations in thousands of households, especially those looking to recharge for the new year.
The advantage of this day off It is aimed primarily at those who work in the public sector. Government employees can use this work bridge by combining the official holiday with the additional day provided by the government. This regulation makes it easier to organize personal time, promotes internal tourism and offers space for relaxation and family coexistence.
On this day, public servants receive theirs usual remunerationHowever, it should be emphasized that the hours not worked must be made up later according to the schedule established by each institution. No surcharges or bonuses will be given as it is not a traditional holiday, but a day that will be made up later.
In the private sector the situation is different. The application of the day off depends on what the company and employees agree on. The decree grants the parties the possibility to voluntarily decide to accept the measure and to determine by mutual agreement the form and timing of hourly remuneration. If there is no consensus, Friday January 2nd will remain a regular working day.
Labor law regulations clearly distinguish between official holidays and non-working days. According to Article 6 of Legislative Decree No. 713, those who work on an official holiday such as January 1st are entitled to the remuneration corresponding to that day plus a supplement equal to 100% of their daily wage, provided no substitute rest period is granted. Companies that fail to comply with this obligation can face financial sanctions, with fines varying depending on their size.
On non-working days such as January 2nd, however, only the day that needs to be made up is transferred. There will be no additional payment or additional compensation for work on that day unless agreed by both parties.
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