6 September 2007

A New Bank Holiday

Gordon Brown is under pressure to create a new bank holiday.

The TUCs and a number of voluntary bodies have suggested a Community Day in late October, which they hope would encourage more voluntary work, celebrate our shared values as a nation and help meet the holiday gap between Britain and the rest of Europe.

The Institute for Public Policy Research is pushing for a bank holiday in November - possibly on the first Monday after Remembrance Sunday - to thank community heroes. This, they believe, would help Mr Brown achieve his goal of building a British identity.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI), on the other hand, are concerned that another national holiday may cost the economy up to £6 billion. However, it could be very good news for the tourism and leisure industry. A lovely long weekend would be great for hotels and the attractions should get a much needed boost before Christmas.

Fingers crossed it comes to fruition.

1 comment:

jamessmith82 said...

I would like to see a new bank holiday, and would definately get behind the cause if it would promote voluntary work. But I find it hard to believe that the British public would actually use the time to help other, less fortunate people, and are more likely to spend the time watching TV or drinking in the pub.