As the nation gets the four-day Easter break in sight, Labour MP Claire Ward, is set to present a 10 minute rule Bill to the Government today arguing the case for a new bank holiday.

Ward is to make the case for an additional day’s leave to be granted on the third Monday in October.

It follows a poll by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), which showed that out of almost 20,000 online voters, just under half, 41% said that a Monday in late October would be their most preferred option for a new bank holiday.

The UK currently has eight days bank holidays compared to a European Union average of 11 public holidays. The Netherlands is the only other EU country with eight bank holidays, however its workers benefit from more annual leave.

The TUC argues that with a stable economy, Britain can afford an additional bank holiday to break up the longest period between existing holidays – 16 weeks between summer and Christmas.

Businesses however, say that extra bank holidays would hurt the UK economy.

Commenting when the idea was first touted, CBI Director-General, Digby Jones said:
"Everyone likes the idea of more time off, but most people realize that it can't come without cost. In a fiercely competitive global economy we need to be ahead of other countries in attracting investment and creating jobs.

"Following the labour practices of countries that are less dynamic than we are is not the route to full employment and a successful economy.

"It's also a fact that people do not want to be told when to take time off. Some employers are responding to employee demand and swapping bank holidays for more flexible leave arrangements."

To pledge your support for the 10 minute rule Bill go to www.writetothem.com