World Cup: Starmer hints at bank holiday if England win
Sir Keir Starmer is considering an additional bank holiday if England were to win the FIFA World Cup.
The prime minister, who is widely expected to stand down on 20 July, said he “didn’t want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final.”
It remains a big “if” however. Thomas Tuchel’s team need to beat Norway on Saturday night. Then they would have to win against either Argentina or Switzerland on Wednesday evening. Finally, they would need to triumph over France, Morocco, Spain or Belgium on Sunday 19 July.
The day off would most likely be on Friday 24 July or Monday 27 July. It would not apply in Scotland, since they have already been granted an extra day off after their opening match in the tournament.
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It is unclear whether the extra day would apply in Wales, which typically follows England’s bank holidays.
Officials confirmed that the prime minister is seriously considering giving fans a day off work, but the King would also have to grant the extra day by Royal Proclamation.
The betting odds for England to lift the trophy currently stand at 5/1 or 9/2.
Kate Palmer, COO at Peninsula, said: “Though many workers enjoy a day off when a bank holiday rolls around, it’s important to note that they are not actually a statutory right. Employees are not automatically entitled to a day off when it comes to bank holidays; rather, it’s all based on what’s in your contract of employment.
“All employees have the right to 5.6 weeks (28 days) of yearly paid holiday at a minimum. However, this can include, exclude, or be in addition to bank holidays – depending on the terms of their contract. Some industries, such as retail or hospitality, require employees to work bank holidays unless they book the time as annual leave.
“If the contract does not specify the number of bank holidays your employees are entitled to, then they can take them all. This includes any additional public holidays. Likewise, if the contract specifies that employees are ‘entitled to all bank holidays’, they can take them all off – even if dates move or new ones pop up.”
She added: “Whatever decision is made regarding an extra bank holiday, it’s essential that employers communicate with their employees so they can make appropriate arrangements. After 60 years’ wait for a major football trophy, people are going to want to celebrate. Employers should embrace the positivity sweeping the country. Come on England!”
An impact assessment of the additional bank holiday in 2022 for the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee estimated the cost to the UK economy at £2.39 billion.
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