More happy Mondays?

Union leaders are once again calling for the introduction of more public holidays in the UK, specifically to end the “slog” between the end of the summer holidays and Christmas. According to the BBC News website, the TUC is asking the Government to introduce three more public holidays over the course of the year, to bring the UK in line with other European nations. European countries reportedly average 11 public holidays a year, compared with the British count of eight days. The union reportedly claims that in a poll of 20,000 people, 40 per cent said a public holiday at the start of the autumn half-term break (i.e. today) was the best option. Other suggestions reportedly included International Women’s Day on 8 March, Trafalgar Day on 21 October and Armistice Day on 11 November. Brendan Barber, of the TUC, is quoted as saying: “If this Monday were a bank holiday, millions of hard-working families would be able to spend a day with their children during half term without taking extra leave. “Millions of employees could give our leisure and retail industries a boost or take along weekend away and help out tourism sector. Others could simply be enjoying a well-earned extra lie-in and a very happy Monday.” Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd