UK plans to change bank holiday

The May Day bank holiday could be dropped and replaced by either a St George’s Day in April or a Trafalgar Day in October.

But a proposal for “double summertime” to bring the UK’s clocks into line with Europe’s was not in the tourism strategy despite widespread reports that it would be included.

Outlining the strategy, Tourism Minister John Penrose said moving the May Day bank holiday could bring tourism benefits.

Moving it to St George’s Day on April 23 would get the tourist season off to an earlier start, while putting it back to the October half term would elongate the tourist season.

The Government will consult on any possible changes and when to introduce them. There is likely to be no change until 2013.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said “messing around with established bank holidays will disrupt people’s schedules and create more red tape for employers”.

He said: “The Government should rise above this backbench grudge, stop re-arranging the deckchairs and introduce an extra bank holiday in late October instead.”
Source: ITN