When Do Clocks Change in the UK? British Summer Time (BST) & GMT Explained
Twice a year, the United Kingdom adjusts its statutory time between Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and British Summer Time (BST). This guide explains exact change times, whether you gain or lose an hour, and why the UK preserves daylight saving.
Key Takeaways for UK Families
- Clocks go forward 1 hour on the last Sunday in March at 1:00 AM (entering BST - you lose an hour).
- Clocks go back 1 hour on the last Sunday in October at 2:00 AM (returning to GMT - you gain an hour).
- Remember the phrase: "Spring forward, Fall back".
- Digital devices, smartphones, and computers connected to internet time servers update automatically at the designated moment.
1. UK Clock Change Schedule for 2026 and 2027
In 2026: Clocks go forward on Sunday 29 March 2026 at 1:00 AM GMT (becoming 2:00 AM BST). Clocks go back on Sunday 25 October 2026 at 2:00 AM BST (becoming 1:00 AM GMT). In 2027: Clocks go forward on Sunday 28 March 2027 and back on Sunday 31 October 2027.
2. The History & Legal Basis of British Summer Time
British Summer Time was established by Parliament under the Summer Time Act 1916 following a campaign by builder William Willett to reduce fuel consumption during the First World War. Shifting one hour of daylight from morning to evening provides brighter evenings for commerce, outdoor recreation, and road safety.
3. Do Night Shift Workers Get Paid for the Extra Hour in October?
When clocks go back in October, night shift workers work an extra 60 minutes. Whether they receive an additional hour’s pay or can leave an hour early depends strictly on their contract of employment. However, employers must ensure total pay for the shift does not fall below the National Minimum Wage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we gain or lose an hour when the clocks change in spring?
In spring (March), the clocks go forward one hour: 1:00 AM jumps directly to 2:00 AM, meaning you "lose" one hour of sleep.
Do mobile phones update the time automatically?
Yes. As long as your iPhone or Android phone has "Set Automatically" enabled in time settings, network time servers will update your phone clock instantly at 1:00 AM or 2:00 AM.