Glasgow City Council has designated an extra bank holiday for its employees on June 15, following Scotland's qualification for the World Cup. The holiday is expected to cost the council approximately £520,000. It has been reported that the holiday was designated by First Minister John Swinney after Scotland qualified for the World Cup.
The cost will reportedly be met from council 'balances'. The bank holiday will see schools close, as reported. The council has reportedly relaxed licensing laws in the city to safely manage crowds watching the games, though the exact implementation details are not specified.
We as Glasgow City Council believe on balance this is the right thing to do.
The council has plans to deal with bank holidays and staff prepare in advance, according to reports. A number of other councils have reportedly decided against an extra bank holiday due to the financial hit, but which councils and how many remain unknown. The majority of councillors reportedly rejected an amendment to have the Scottish Government fully fund the costs of the holiday.
' Labour Councillor Elaine McDougall questioned the timing, noting, 'The game is in the early hours of Sunday, why do they need the Monday off. ' McDougall also criticized the holiday as frivolous, stating, 'Naw. ' Council leader Susan Aitken responded to McDougall, saying, 'Well, you’ve put yourself on the record, that that’s what public holidays for our staff are for.
It gives the opportunity to significantly boost the local economy, which is badly needing that support.
' SNP Councillor Allan Casey agreed, stating, 'There should have been a public holiday in terms of the Women’s national team when they qualified for the World Cup. ' Casey also pointed to precedent, noting, 'There is, of course, precedent for additional public holidays that haven’t come with additional funding. ' Labour Councillor John Carson reportedly raised concerns about potential consternation in the community and asked about the long-term impact due to disruption.
Green Councillor Martha Wardrop reportedly noted that people will come to the city to celebrate the World Cup and asked about potentially measuring that impact, though the specific economic impact and measurement methods are not detailed. The city's approved budget reportedly invested £5 million into the Integration Joint Board for health and social care. 9% council tax rise, agreed in yesterday's budget.
SNP Councillor Allan Casey reportedly claimed Labour's proposed budget delivered nothing for the Integration Joint Board. ' The exact date and time of Scotland's World Cup match against Haiti have not been specified.