On a bank holiday, the activities of the millions of people not in work have a positive effect upon other areas of the economy, with retail and tourism sites doing a roaring trade. In 2001, when the UK was hit by the foot and mouth epidemic, representatives from the tourism and hospitality industry lobbied the Government for a special bank holiday that autumn to stimulate trade.

Between 1997 and 1999, UK productivity grew by 4.6 per cent, whilst the number of contracted hours worked fell by 0.7 per cent, showing that when extra days holiday are granted there is not a negative impact on output. The granting of additional public holidays merely gives back a small slice of the benefits of increased output to employees.

Work-related stress costs the UK £4.4 billion a year, so it makes sense to give people working excessive hours a few extra days off. Extra bank holidays would have a positive impact on staff motivation, recruitment and retention.

When it comes to European bank holidays, only the Netherlands gives its workers as few public holidays as the UK, but Dutch workers benefit from more annual leave. With 11.35 days the average across the 25 European states, Slovakia with 18 has the most, closely followed by Cyprus on 14. Malta, Spain and Portugal grant their workers 14 days each year.

Four-fifths of people say that they would celebrate if the government made St George’s Day a national holiday.Two-thirds of people say that they would be encouraged to mark the occasion if most people in England made the effort. Two-thirds of people are attracted by the idea of free events (such as concerts, carnivals and parades), while more than half would like to see street parties.

A third of the population say that they would be more likely to celebrate St George’s Day if the pubs were allowed to stay open for longer. Support is especially strong among young people, with three-quarters of 18-24 year olds agreeing with the idea.

Research by The Future Foundation indicates that the positive economic benefit a more fully celebrated St. George’s Day could approach £40m.

It is estimated that publicans are missing out on over £14 million and business in general approaching £40 million of additional expenditure that would be generated by a more widespread celebration of St. George’s Day.

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