MSP Ash Regan said NHS workers benefit from a bank holiday announced by the First Minister.
Nearly 200,000 NHS staff are at risk of missing out on Scotland’s World Cup bank holiday. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said she hoped NHS boards would be “flexible” but stopped short of issuing a guarantee.
The SNP Government recently proposed making June 15th a national bank holiday – the day after the men’s team play their first World Cup match in decades. Ministers said the time off would allow Scots to “celebrate” after the men’s team play their opening game against Haiti in Boston.
MSP Ash Regan, who was an SNP Minister before quitting over a row over gender recognition reform, asked if NHS staff would be entitled to the holiday. Forbes said it would be a matter for NHS employers: “The First Minister’s proposal for a bank holiday to follow Scotland’s opening game at the men’s FIFA World Cup will create an opportunity for the country to come together and share this landmark occasion.
“We would encourage employers, including NHS Boards, to be as flexible as possible to ensure their staff have the opportunity to celebrate the team’s success.” Regan said: “The Scottish Government’s decision to create an additional Bank Holiday this year sparked some debate but it has undoubtedly set expectation levels that everyone in Scotland will benefit.
“All Scottish Government staff will receive the extra Bank Holiday, that is why I asked the Scottish Government to confirm that this would include our hard working NHS staff. Unfortunately, the Deputy First Minister’s response has left the decision in the hands of each individual NHS Board. Left to absorb the costs themselves it is likely Scotland’s 180,000 NHS staff will miss out.
“That is why the Scottish Government must confirm that all NHS staff will receive the day off in line with previous additional Bank holidays that Scottish Government staff were entitled to.”
