World Cup bank holiday decision due

HAVING a Bank Holiday on Monday June 15, to coincide with Scotland's debut in the World Cup, would cost cash-strapped Dumfries and Galloway Council £175,000. Officials have calculated the financial ramifications of giving the local authority staff the day off and it's revealed in a new report for councillors. 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. And the Scottish Government have confirmed they will not be providing any additional funding to cover the costs, so it will have to come from the local authority's own funds. However, if they decide not to go ahead with the additional bank holiday, it would remain a normal working day, with employees able to take it as annual leave instead, if they so wish.

In addition, the decision would not automatically cover teachers as Scottish Government approval would be needed for any school closure. The final decision now rests with the region's councillors and will be made at a meeting in Dumfries next week. First Minister John Swinney initially proposed the extra bank holiday and it's since been approved by the King. However, it's up to individual councils if they wish to participate. It's a mixed picture across Scotland, with only four councils so far deciding to grant the day, while 12 have declined.