Extra day’s holiday for Falkirk Council staff to mark Queen’s 70 years on throne
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Members of Falkirk Council’s executive unanimously agreed to the proposal, which will mean that next year’s May bank holiday will be moved to Thursday, June 2 and an extra day’s leave given on Friday, June 3.
The meeting was told the decision to have the extra holiday had been taken nationally by UK and Scottish governments to celebrate the Queen’s 70 years on the throne.
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Hide AdHowever, the specific arrangements for the holiday are left to individual councils.
SNP councillor Gordon Hughes said the date was “an historic milestone” that should be celebrated.
“The Queen’s dedication to her work has been a shining example to the population at large,” he told the meeting.
That sentiment was echoed by the Labour group leader Robert Bissett, while the Conservative group leader James Kerr also backed the recommendation.
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Hide AdMr Kerr said: “Whether you’re a royalist or not somebody that gives their country 70 years of service is to be commended.
“It’s a remarkable achievement and I hope there are street parties across Falkirk district to celebrate it.”
Frontline council staff will still have to attend work where this is necessary but they will get an additional day off that can be taken at another time.
The associated cover costs of the additional day of leave are
estimated to be around £130,000.
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Hide AdThe meeting heard it was important to take the decision now so schools in particular can be consulted about how it will be implemented.
The report warns that not all parents will be happy as some may have already made bookings for the original bank holiday on May 2, especially since the local government elections are happening on Thursday, May 5.
Children’s Services will now consult with Local Negotiating Committee for Teachers (LNCT) and the Service Partnership Forum, which represents other schools staff, and report back.
School holidays in Falkirk are agreed with neighbouring Forth Valley councils, Stirling and Clackmannanshire and changes to the number of school term days need to be agreed by the Scottish Government.