News / SIC grants day off to celebrate Queen’s diamond jubilee
COUNCIL employees in Shetland will be granted an extra day annual leave to celebrate the Queen’s diamond jubilee, on Tuesday 5 June next year.
The UK and Scottish governments had already declared the day as an additional one off bank holiday.
On Monday, the council’s executive committee agreed to give staff an extra day holiday to allow those who provide essential services on the day, such as in care homes or on the ferries, to have an extra day off at a later date.
The public holiday will cost the local authority around £375,000 in lost productivity.
A motion by councillor Allison (Flea) Duncan not to grant the extra day off because the SIC could not afford it didn’t find a seconder.
Councillor Betty Fullerton said council employees have had a tough year, and the bank holiday was a “one off”.
“We should recognise our Queen. She is much admired and respected,” she said.
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