Time for a St. George's Day Bank Holiday

Most workers in England are unaware that England is one of the worst countries in the world when it comes to bank holiday provision. Let’s be blunt: England has just 8 public holidays a year, the lowest in Europe and among the lowest globally. Even within the UK, workers in England get fewer bank holidays than those in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The UK’s Unequal Bank Holiday Divide

• England & Wales: 8 (joint lowest in Europe)
• Scotland: 9
• Northern Ireland: 10

In Northern Ireland, people get St Patrick’s Day and the Battle of the Boyne off work. In Scotland, there’s an extra day for St Andrew’s Day. But in England? No recognition for St George’s Day.

Make St George’s Day a Bank Holiday

The Workers of England Union believes it’s time the British government gave England the respect and recognition it deserves. That starts with a new public holiday on 23rd April – St George’s Day.

Why?

• Celebration is good for business: People spend more on holidays – food, travel, leisure. This would boost the economy and bring much-needed money into local communities.
• Patron saint days work: St Patrick’s Day in Ireland and Northern Ireland has become a global cultural and commercial success. So has St Andrew’s Day in Scotland. For example, the Estimated Economic Impact (Ireland) 2024:
• €80–€100 million in direct tourism revenue during the March holiday period
• €50–€70 million in spending by locals on events, hospitality, food, drink, and retail
• €10–€15 million in media and branding exposure globally
• Total benefit to the Irish economy: €140–€180 million annually
• England needs a community day too: There’s growing support for St George’s Day celebrations. More and more people ask: Why celebrate St Patrick, but not St George?

Unity, Identity, and Belonging

Promoting St George’s Day as a national holiday and family day will:

• Strengthen national identity
• Encourage community spirit
• Build a stronger sense of belonging and social unity

We challenge anyone to explain what’s wrong with celebrating England’s people, values, and accomplishments.

Global Bank Holiday Comparison

Take a look at how England compares globally: England and Wales rank among the bottom three worldwide for public holidays.

• India: 42
• Nepal: 35
• Iran: 26
• Sri Lanka: 25
• Malaysia: 24
• Japan: 20
• Chile: 20
• Colombia: 18
• South Korea: 17
• Russia: 14
• France: 11
• USA: 10
• Portugal: 10
• Northern Ireland: 10
• Scotland: 9
• Australia: 9
• England & Wales: 8
• Netherlands: 8
• Mexico: 7

What Companies Can Do

While the UK Government has shown little interest in increasing England’s holidays, companies can lead the way. By giving staff the day off on St George’s Day (23rd April), employers demonstrate:

• Community values
• Civic-minded leadership
• Pride in the achievements of England’s workforce

Yes, time off has a cost, but unity and worker morale are priceless. And the economic gains of an extra bank holiday speak for themselves.

Time for Fairness, Time for Change

The Workers of England Union calls on:

• The UK Government to grant a new public holiday for England on 23rd April
• Employers to show leadership and give their staff the day off
• Local councils, pubs, businesses, and communities to embrace and celebrate St George’s Day

England deserves a national holiday of its own. Let’s make it happen.

Stephen Morris, General Secretary of the Workers of England Union