West Lothian council employees will get an additional day’s leave to mark the coronation of King Charles.
The council’s executive today agreed to “ a shut down” of all but essential services over the weekend May 6 to 8 to mark the coronation of King Charles on Saturday May 6.
Council staff will get an extra day's holiday on Monday, May 8.
Council leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick told the meeting : “I think we’d all welcome this event and we’d welcome the celebrations for the coronation of King Charles III.”
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A report to the executive said: “The Scottish Government has announced plans for a ‘Coronation Weekend’ covering May 6 to 8, 2023 to allow individuals, businesses and other organisations in Scotland to celebrate the coronation.
“In order to enable staff to take part in celebration of the coronation the council has agreed an additional day of leave for all employees to be taken on Monday, May 8, 2023.
"All employees, regardless of status, will be eligible and this should be managed as a service ‘shutdown’ on Monday May, 8, 2023. The exception to this will be where essential services have to remain open, in which case employees required to work will be granted one day off to be taken on an alternative date in line with service need.
“Employees who do not normally work a Monday will be granted an alternative day off to be taken in line with their individual working arrangements and service need. For school staff, the date on which equivalent time off is given will be determined locally with a view to minimising the impact on the service. It may be determined in secondary schools to give equivalent time off during senior pupil study/exam leave.”
The report added: “All council offices, schools and other buildings will be closed to the public on May 8, 2023, however, it is for services to ensure staffing levels commensurate with the delivery of services on standard public holidays.”
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