SIC says any decision on World Cup public holiday for staff would rest with councillors

A NATIONAL bank holiday has been proposed the day after Scotland’s first game at this summer’s World Cup.

However Shetland Islands Council said any proposal to designate an additional public holiday for its staff that day would be a matter for councillors to determine.

This would follow consultation with unions.

First minister John Swinney announced yesterday that he is proposing a national bank holiday on Monday 15 June to mark Scotland’s first World Cup game since 1998.

Scotland’s men’s football team are due to play their opening fixture at the 2026 World Cup against Haiti in Boston on Sunday 14 June at 2am UK time.

Swinney said “we want to make the most of this huge opportunity for Scotland and ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to celebrate the team’s success”.

“Not only is this an historic sporting event, it’s also a chance for Scotland to be on the world stage, to attract business development, create tourism interest within the country and to make cultural and sporting connections.

“That is why I am taking steps to ensure the Monday after our opening game should be national bank holiday, so that – no matter the outcome of the match – we can all come together to share the occasion.”

In Scotland, when it comes to local authorities national holidays are a devolved matter for councils to decide on.

Responding, a spokesperson for Shetland Islands Council said on Monday: “We note the announcement by the first minister today.

“Any proposal to designate an additional public holiday for council staff would be a matter for the council to determine, following consultation with unions.”

Back in 2023 Shetland’s councillors decided against giving SIC workers a holiday the Monday after the King’s coronation.

Cost and education concern as councillors reject coronation holiday

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There was concern over the cost of giving about a public holiday to staff, and the prospect of pupils losing a day of school.

Elected members were told then that the cost of an extra public holiday, where the council shuts for all non-essential services, would have been more than £90,000.