World Cup bank holiday could cost Glasgow City Council more than half a million pounds

A proposed bank holiday to allow workers the chance to watch Scotland’s opening match in the World Cup could cost Glasgow City Council more than half a million pounds.

If permitted, the holiday would cost Scotland’s largest local authority £520,000, which would be met from ‘balances’ according to a council report.

Officials are recommending the city’s local councillors give the go-ahead for the extra holiday at a meeting next week.

First minster John Swinney designated June 15 as a national bank holiday after Scotland’s qualification to the World Cup. But only Scottish Government staff are guaranteed the day off. However other employees may extend the benefit to their workers.

Western Isles councillors have decided not to give employees the holiday due to the costs involved, which were estimated at £120,000.

Glasgow councillors will give their verdict on the holiday at the city administration committee next week.

The council employs about 28,000 staff according to statistics published in 2021.

Staff currently get 29 days of annual leave and 12.5 public holidays.

A council report said there could be an inequality risk impact if the holiday is granted as “an additional day off could impact parents if they have to take a cut in pay for taking a day off, especially in single-parent households.”

The report said “Staff in Arms Length External Organisations ALEOs will be treated according to decisions made by the ALEOs and in line with those organisations’ terms and conditions.”