April 29, 2017 8.00 am This story is over 83 months old

Lincolnshire Talks: Can we afford to have four more bank holidays?

As the general election campaign gets into full swing, Jeremy Corbyn has said he will create four new UK-wide bank holidays if he wins – but can we actually afford it? The Labour leader has suggested that these new holidays would be on patron saint’s days of each of the home nations and would bring the…
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As the general election campaign gets into full swing, Jeremy Corbyn has said he will create four new UK-wide bank holidays if he wins – but can we actually afford it?

The Labour leader has suggested that these new holidays would be on patron saint’s days of each of the home nations and would bring the UK together.

The days suggested include:

  • St David’s Day – March 1
  • St Patrick’s Day – March 17
  • St George’s Day – April 23
  • St Andrew’s Day – November 30

By making these dates public holidays, this would mean that there would be seven bank holidays in the months of March, April and May.

Corbyn previously told The Telegraph: “After seven years of painful austerity, our workers deserve a break – and under a Labour government, they will have the opportunity of four more days off a year.

“The four nations that make up our great country have rarely been more divided due to the damaging and divisive policies of this Conservative government.”

Your thoughts

Many people in Lincolnshire have criticised Corbyn, suggesting that this would not be good for businesses and that there would be too many holidays in the three month period of March to May.

Lincolnshire Reporter spoke with a number of residents from Grantham for their thoughts.

Martin Doughty, 46, said: “I suppose it is a good idea but it really depends if you are self employed or not.

“It will affect business.”

Carole Cook, 56, added: “I think we have got enough Bank Holidays, I am happy with what we have got.

“They talk about all these kind of things but it never comes to fruition.

“I often think it is a tool to get votes.”

However, some are happy with the idea of more holidays during the year.

Keelan Masson, 18, said: “It means more time off college so I’m happy, if you’re keeping the people happy it can only be a good thing.”

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Sarah is a News Reporter at The Lincolnite. You can contact her directly with your news via email at [email protected]