§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Minister for the Civil Service (1) on what basis civil servants were given the day off on Friday 23 May; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on the granting of general days off in addition to normal leave entitlements to civil servants; and if he will make a statement;
(3) if he will list the days normally granted to civil servants as holiday in addition to statutory holidays and their leave entitlements; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LuceHer Majesty's Government's policy on Civil Service holidays is the same as that of successive Administrations over many years.
In addition to statutory holidays and annual leave entitlement, civil servants are allowed one day's holiday for the Sovereign's birthday which, by royal decree, is taken whenever possible on the Friday before the spring bank holiday; half a day on Maundy Thursday afternoon; and one other day at the Christmas-new year period. The timing of these holidays may vary in Scotland and Northern Ireland.