Claire Ward, Labour MP for Watfordis will be presenting a 10 minute rule Bill to the Government arguing the case for a further bank holiday on Friday 18 March.
The UK currently has eight days bank holiday.
Watfordis will make the case for an additional day’s leave to be granted on the third Monday in October.
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) conducted a poll on their world of work website, WorkSMART which showed that out of almost 20,000 online voters, just under half, 41% said that a Monday in late October would be their most preferred option for a new bank holiday. Almost a third (32%) opted for St George’s, St Andrew’s and St David’s Days with one in ten balloting for New Year’s Eve.
According to the TUC, Britain is lagging behind the EU average of 11.35 public holidays. Workers in the Netherlands are the only other country that also has just eight, but they benefit from more annual leave.
- Slovakia has 18 days
- Cyprus has 14 days
- Malta, Spain, Portugal grant their workers 14 days
The TUC argue that with a stable economy, Britain can afford an additional bank holiday to break up the longest period between existing holidays – 16 weeks between summer and Christmas.
Businesses however, say that extra bank holidays would hurt the UK economy.
Commenting when the idea was first touted, CBI Director-General, Digby Jones said: “Many people already have 20 days holiday a year on top of bank holidays and in the future this may be extended to all employees.
“Everyone likes the idea of more time off, but most people realize that it can’t come without cost. In a fiercely competitive global economy we need to be ahead of other countries in attracting investment and creating jobs.
“Following the labour practices of countries that are less dynamic than we are is not the route to full employment and a successful economy.
“It’s also a fact that people do not want to be told when to take time off. Some employers are responding to employee demand and swapping bank holidays for more flexible leave arrangements.”
To pledge your support for the 10 minute rule Bill go to www.writetothem.com
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