Red card for footy bank holiday

DUMFRIES and Galloway Council yesterday decided not to grant an extra bank holiday for the World Cup this summer.

Councillors considered the matter at the Full Council meeting and decided not to designate June 15 as a bank holiday for council staff.

They are the latest local authority to sideline the idea due to financial and operational considerations. Going ahead with it would mean that overtime would have to be paid to anyone expected to work to ensure essential services can continue on that date.

The wage bill alone would be an extra 175,000, while the lost working time and productivity would amount to 952,805.

A council spokesperson said: "This decision is not a reflection of a lack of enthusiasm for Scotland’s World Cup campaign. The council shares the pride and excitement of the community in seeing our national team reach the World Cup finals after 28 years.

"We encourage staff and residents to enjoy the tournament in their own way on the Sunday and during off-hours."