Extra annual bank holiday backed by Sunak

Move to make Platinum Jubilee day off permanent in honour of Queen and coronavirus volunteers

‘The Treasury is not saying “no” off the bat, despite previously being allergic to the idea of a new bank holiday’

RISHI SUNAK has asked the Treasury for formal advice on an extra annual bank holiday.

The Chancellor is said to be “supportive” of a growing campaign to make this year’s Platinum Jubilee bank holiday permanent from next year in honour of the Queen.

This year, there is an extra bank holiday on June 3 to mark Her Majesty’s 70 years on the throne, and the Government is now being urged to make it a permanent fixture.

Boris Johnson and his wife, Carrie, are understood to be “highly supportive” of the plan for the yearly “thank holiday” as a way of recognising Her Majesty’s service.

The Daily Telegraph understands that Downing Street is giving the matter such serious consideration it has asked the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport to carry out a review.

Ultimately it will be for the Treasury to approve the campaign.

The additional day off, which has been endorsed by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), would also be in recognition of the millions who have stepped up to serve their communities during the coronavirus pandemic.

A spokesman for Mr Sunak confirmed last night that he had asked Treasury officials to investigate whether the idea was economically viable.

A source said: “The Treasury is not saying ‘no’ off the bat, despite previously being institutionally allergic to the idea of a new bank holiday.

“Rishi is supportive of the campaign and the thought behind it and has asked for all the projected costs.”

The idea is understood to be gaining traction in government as it struggles with how to tackle the cost-of-living crisis and encourage people back into offices. Ministers are understood to be keen to recognise how the public went over and above in their communities during the pandemic.

The move comes as a host of business leaders have written to the Prime Minister and the Chancellor to back the extra day off.

The Cbi-backed group – which includes UK Hospitality, leading brands such as Siemens and the business leaders Deborah Meaden and Dame Carolyn Mccall – argued that the UK lagged behind Europe on bank holidays.

England and Wales have eight days off per year compared with 11 for Germany and France. The EU average is 12.8 days, while the US has 13. Scotland has 11 and Northern Ireland 10.

They also claim the cost of bank holidays is lower than previously stated.

Research by PWC commissioned for the campaign has found the government’s existing figures overestimated the potential cost of a new bank holiday by 64 per cent and failed to account for the positive social and health benefits associated with bank holidays.

The research highlighted sectors particularly hit by the pandemic – retail, hospitality and tourism – that would benefit from extra economic activity.

Ms Meaden, a Dragons’ Den investor, said: “The Great British bank holiday is enjoyed by one and all across society. We all have fond memories of trips away, gatherings with friends or just enjoying some relaxing time with loved ones.

“But it’s also a major boon for many businesses, especially those sectors that have struggled during the pandemic. I’m backing the campaign because I think it will be a fitting tribute to Her Majesty’s 70 years of public service and that of all the people who make our communities kinder, nicer places to live.

“But I also think the ‘thank holiday’ will provide the country with a social and economic stimulus we need after a difficult few years.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has backed the campaign with organisations including the Royal Voluntary Service, the Scouts and the TUC.

Tony Danker, director-general of the CBI, said: “The proposal for a new ‘thank holiday’ to recognise the Queen’s selfless service and to extend that notion of service across communities is a really exciting one. Business is keen to support and we at the CBI will work with the campaign’s supporters and employers to make it a real success.”

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UK Hospitality, said: “The nation’s restaurants, hostelries and hotels stand ready to embrace this... tribute by hosting communities across the country and will willingly play their part in making the ‘thank holiday’ a fitting celebration.”

An extra bank holiday would have to be written into law by tabling an amendment to the Banking Act or making the change by Royal Proclamation.