Why are so few councils observing the SNP's World Cup bank holiday?
Most of the councils who have rejected the idea of an extra bank holiday are citing concerns over school closures and childcare.
It was announced to great fanfare - John Swinney promised Scots a public bank holiday to celebrate Scotland making it to the World Cup.
Yet fast forward to the beginning of the tournament, very few councils are actually observing this.
- Aberdeen City Council
- Glasgow City Council
- Renfrewshire Council
- South Lanarkshire Council
- Dundee City Council.
Many of the councils who have rejected the idea of taking the day off have cited concerns about closing down schools and worries over other services such as bin collections being disrupted.
For example, a spokesman for North Lanarkshire Council said: “A public holiday would result in schools closing, impacting on pupils’ education and childcare arrangements for parents.
“There would also be an impact on the council’s responsibility to deliver essential services, such as social care, waste and housing including increased costs at a time when the council faces increased financial pressures.”
The council said its employees can enjoy the World Cup “through normal leave arrangements”.
City of Edinburgh Council is another one to reject the SNP’s proposals, saying it would cost an estimated £350,000.
Fife Council said bank holidays for lesser ceremonial events such as royal weddings, jubilees and coronations are always managed through additional leave rather than a blanket day off.
A spokesman for the council said: “This option may be unpopular with trade unions but reflects the current budgetary position for the council and the general public mood around council employees benefitting while many other employees will not.”
Both Fife and Edinburgh councils said they had concerns about closing schools down for the day and the impact that would have on families being able to afford and find childcare.
Meanwhile at Highland Council, Councillor Alasdair Christie said observing the bank holiday would be “selfish and irresponsible” due to childcare and because those in the private sector will not be given the same treatment.
Fellow Highland Councillor Morven Reid also said people will be “appalled” by the idea given the match itself takes place in the early hours of the Sunday.
Scotland’s first World Cup match against Haiti takes place at 2am BST on Sunday 14 June. Those observing the World Cup bank holiday will do so on Monday 15 June.
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