First minister encourages SIC to get into ‘spirit’ of World Cup bank holiday
FIRST minister John Swinney has encouraged Shetland Islands Council to “get in the spirit of the World Cup” by granting an additional bank holiday after Scotland’s first game.
A report due to go in front of elected members on Wednesday advises against a public holiday on 15 June for council staff – particularly because it could cost around £140,000 in extra pay and disrupt services.
A number of other councils have said no to a holiday or are recommending against it, with Western Isles among the local authorities which have rejected it already.
Earlier this month the Scottish Government confirmed an extra bank holiday on Monday 15 June to mark Scotland’s first appearance at the World Cup since 1998.
With the World Cup being held in the US, Canada and Mexico, Scotland’s first group game against Haiti kicks off at 2am UK time on Sunday 14 June.
Scotland will then play Morocco on 19 June at 11pm UK time and then Brazil on 24 June, against 11pm UK time.
It is up to each council in Scotland how to approach national holidays.
The report to SIC elected members recommends keeping things business as usual, with managers would encouraged to grant leave where possible, in line with the needs of service.
It said if there was an additional bank/public holiday then employees who are required to work delivering essential services will be paid treble time for all hours worked or, upon request, double time and take equivalent time at a later date.
Some critics have also alleged the idea of a World Cup bank holiday was an attempt at a sweetener ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections in May.
But when quizzed on the matter by Shetland News during a visit to Sullom Voe Terminal on Monday, Swinney encouraged the SIC to get “into the “spirit” of the World Cup.
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“We’ve not been in the World Cup for nearly 30 years,” he said.
“We’ve granted a bank holiday, and I would encourage the council follow that decision and to enable people to enjoy the World Cup and have a wee bit of recuperation time afterwards.”
When asked for his prediction for Scotland’s chances at the tournament, Swinney said: “I think we’ll do very well, and I’m looking forward to being there as first minister to support the team.”
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