Why the May Day bank holiday might be moved in 2020
The spring bank holidays always fall on the first and last Mondays in May, meaning two Mondays off work for many of us. However, some MPs are reportedly calling for the early May holiday, known as May Day, to be moved next year so that it falls on a Friday instead.
According to a report in The Times, Greg Clark, the business secretary, has suggested that the date should be moved from Monday, 4th May, to Friday, 8th May, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day.
8th May 1945 was the date the Allies celebrated the defeat of Nazi Germany, marking the end of the Second World War in Europe. Millions celebrated, with huge crowds gathering in London and street parties taking place around the country.
In a letter to Chancellor Philip Hammond, Clark made a case for the nation celebrating next year, writing: "I believe that the country should be allowed to take time to commemorate this great occasion, and to recall those who sacrificed their lives in the Second World War on behalf of us all." He added that it would be a "tragedy" if VE Day "slipped from the minds of the general public."
Clark is said to have acknowledged that the date change could lead to disruption when it comes to the timing of school holidays. However, The Association of School and College Leaders has supported the plan, telling the newspaper that "it would provide a good opportunity to engage young people in learning and activities about this important historical event."
Others have raised their concerns over the proposal to swap the date of an existing bank holiday, which can be altered under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971.
Frances O’Grady, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress, questioned why there shouldn't be two days off, telling The Times: "May Day and the 75th VE Day anniversary are both special days and celebrating them should not come at the expense of each other. The government should give people time off for both."
If the date change does go ahead, it wouldn't be the first time that May Day has moved. In 2005, the bank holiday took place on the second Monday in the month to commemorate VE Day's 50th anniversary.
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