While England women’s football team prepares for the biggest game of their lives this Sunday when they face Spain in the World Cup final, a similar fixture between the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and His Majesty’s Government (HMG UK) is taking place regarding an extra bank holiday if the Lionesses win. This comes after they beat Australia 3-1 this week.
The TUC has requested that the Government “do the right thing” which would be to award an additional bank holiday if the women win the World Cup. Labour leader, Keir Starmer, and Lib Dem leader, Ed Davey both support this. However, the Government has already confirmed that there are no plans to award an extra bank holiday. If the women are victorious, they will be the first England team to win a World Cup since 1966.
Generally, England and Wales receive the fewest public holidays (eight) when compared to any other EU country. Employees in Spain enjoy 12 bank holidays each year; semi-finalists, Sweden, allow 13 days annually, and in Australia, dependent on the state, they have up to 15 days annually. The TUC have publicly said they think all UK employees should get 12 bank holidays annually, an additional four days.
TUC General Secretary, Paul Nowak, said:
“If the Lionesses bring it home, the government should do the right thing and allow the country to celebrate with a special bank holiday. It would be mean-spirited not to do so.”
However, a Government spokesperson has already stated:
“The current pattern of public and bank holidays is well established and there are no plans to change this.”
Winning the World Cup would be a massive moment for the country and make no mistake we’ll find the right way to celebrate.”
Keir Starmer tweeted:
“It’s almost 60 years since England won the World Cup. I’m never complacent about anything…but there should be a celebratory bank holiday if the Lionesses bring it home.”
Previously the Government held back on calls for an additional bank holiday for the Lionesses’ Euros win, as well as the men’s Euro 2020 final held in 2021. It has been estimated by the House of Commons that a bank holiday in the UK would cost the economy approximately £2.9bn.
A petition has been started for an extra bank holiday. However, in order to get a response from the Government it would need at least 10,000 signatures.
Last-minute holiday requests
As the final is on a Sunday morning, the majority of employees who work Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm will be able to watch it and will not need to take any last-minute requests for annual leave.
However, those who are on shifts or work in the public sector may have to work while the game is on. ACAS has reminded employers to have agreements in place covering requests for annual leave or watching TV during their working hours.
It’s important for employers to take note as there could be an increase in sickness absence or employees listening to the radio or watching TV while on shift.
It is advised that all employers should:
- Try to come to a fair agreement for any last-minute leave or requests, and employees should understand if they are not able to take last-minute leave.
- Remind employees about sickness absence policies as well as the potential for any unauthorised absence.
- If possible, introduce a flexible day where employees can start work later or make up the time, however, in shift-type jobs, this is not always possible.
- Allow staff to listen to the radio or have the TV on in the background.
- Manage an increase in social media and particular websites covering the match, It’s important to remind your employees of the policies regarding internet usage during their contracted hours.
How can we help?
Laura Kearsley is a Partner in our expert Employment Law team. Laura has a strong reputation in all aspects of employment law, including Employment Tribunal litigation, discipline and grievance issues, and unfair and constructive unfair dismissal claims, and has particular experience in developing HR support services for businesses.
If you would like any advice in relation to the subjects discussed in this article, please contact Laura or another member of the team in Derby, Leicester or Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.
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