The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has called on the government to increase the number of bank holidays for workers in the UK to 12. There are currently 8 bank holidays in England and Wales, 9 in Scotland and 10 in Northern Ireland. The TUC’s proposed increase would bring the UK figure more in line with the average of other countries in the European Union.
The TUC argues that as technological advancements benefit our economy, workers should gain from this too. It is also campaigning for stronger public holiday rights for workers, meaning that those who work bank holidays would have the right to premium pay or time off in lieu.
It was announced in June that the early May bank holiday in 2020 will be moved from Monday 4 May to Friday 8 May as the bank holiday will be used to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE day.
