Thousands of Glasgow council staff to get World Cup holiday

Glasgow City Council workers will get an extra public holiday to mark Scotland's men's national team playing in its first World Cup since 1998.

Councillors were told it would cost Scotland's largest local authority about £520,000 to give staff the additional day's leave on Monday 15 June.

A number of other authorities, including Western Isles and Moray, have decided not to take the holiday.

The Scottish government has declared the national holiday to be held after Scotland faces Haiti in Boston, but it has left the decision whether or not to take it with individual councils.

SNP councillor and workforce convener, Allan Casey, said the move would give a "significant financial boost" to Glasgow's hospitality trade and economy.

He told Thursday's meeting of the administration committee: "We as Glasgow City Council believe on balance this is the right thing to do."

Casey added: "It gives the opportunity to significantly boost the local economy, which is badly needing that support."

He also welcomed the relaxation of licensing laws in the city to "safely manage" crowds watching the games.

But Labour's Elaine McDougall said the cost of the extra holiday did not "sit right" with the cuts the council was making, and she described the move as "just an excuse for people to get a swally".

Fellow Labour councillor John Carson said there could be "consternation in the community" and asked if there could be a long-term impact due to disruption to services.

Casey said the council had plans to deal with bank holidays and staff prepared in advance.

He added: "I don't anticipate there will be any real significant impact to services across the council."

The majority of councillors backed giving the day off, which will see schools closed.

The £520,000 cost will be met from balances, according to a council report.

The local authority employs about 28,000 staff according to statistics published in 2021.

Staff currently get 29 days of annual leave and 12.5 public holidays.