Plans proposed by the TUC to introduce a new bank holiday were criticised by the Forum of Private Businesses as ‘massively disruptive’.

The small business lobby veremently opposed TUC proposals to introduce three extra bank holidays to the UK working calendar.

If plans were to go ahead, the autumn half term, national saints days of England, Scotland and Wales and New Years Eve are the most popular choices for three new bank holidays.

The trade unionists argue that extra public holidays could quite easily be afforded, as the present economy would absorb costs, bringing the UK in line with the EU average of 11 days off a year.

The TUC believes there are many reasons why the introduction of new bank holidays would not impact on the economy. These include increased profits within the retail and tourism industries as well as the positive effect time off has on work related stress.

Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary, said, “In the past, bosses have wildly exaggerated the costs of introducing more bank holidays, but our calculations suggest that the UK can well afford to bring in extra days.

“If we all were able to take a few extra days off work, rather than losing out, employers would benefit from less-stressed, more contented, productive staff.

In contrast the FPB has warned that proposals could cost small to medium sized businesses more than a billion pounds in lost working hours and have a detrimental effect on national operations,

Nick Goulding, Chief Executive of the FPB, said, “Bank holidays already cause problems for business particularly as they are clustered together on the calendar.

“Not only will the cost of this proposal be absolutely colossal it will also cause massive disruption. I am concerned that many conscientious businesses will feel compelled to give time off even though bank holidays are not a statutory requirement.

“Moreover having three more bank holidays will be three extra days when Government, councils and banks grind to a halt, all to the detriment of small businesses. The FPB is vehemently opposed to the TUC’s proposal.”