Can my employer make me work on bank holidays?

In some cases, yes. There is no general legal right to time off on bank holidays, though it is a common practice to give time off.

Many people have the right to bank holidays written into their contract with their employer.

But if you don't have this, employers can require you to work on public holidays. Of course many jobs (such as the emergency services and the media) have always worked on bank holidays, but many other sectors (such as retail) now expect staff to work bank holidays too. Good employers are likely to offer overtime pay or enhanced time off in lieu.