Union chiefs are calling for four more bank holidays to reward “our nation of grafters”.
The Trades Union Congress wants the UK brought in line with other European countries – which enjoy an average 12.3 public holidays a year.
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Cyprus top the table with 15.
But England and Wales typically get eight bank holidays a year while Scotland and Northern Ireland have nine or 10, depending on the timing of New Year and their patron saint days.
UK firms claimed £27billion of free labour last year in unpaid overtime, the TUC claims.
And the body’s call for more holidays comes after leaked audio emerged of Tory leadership favourite Liz Truss claiming UK workers need “more graft” as they lack the “skill and application” of those elsewhere.
TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Some politicians have been calling UK workers lazy but we work some of the longest hours in Europe. And we get the fewest public holidays. Instead of insulting workers, let’s show more gratitude to our nation of grafters.”
When challenged on her leaked remarks – made while Chief Secretary to the Treasury between 2017 and 2019 – Ms Truss claimed she did not recognise them.
She previously faced anger over Britannia Unchained, a book she co-authored with four other Tory MPs in 2012 and which described British staff as “the worst idlers in the world”.
Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, tipped to be Chancellor if Ms Truss wins, was a contributor.
Boris Johnson snubbed calls by Labour leader Keir Starmer for an extra bank holiday this year to celebrate England’s Women’s Euros win.
The Government said: “The current pattern of public and bank holidays is well established and while an additional holiday may benefit some, the cost to the economy is considerable.”
