Government ‘doesn’t want to jinx result’ by declaring Euros bank holiday – Minister Grant Shapps explains

Over more than 300,000 people have signed a petition calling for an extra bank holiday if England wins the Euros on Sunday night.

But Grant Shapps the Transport Secretary has said he ‘doesn’t want to jinx the result by declaring a day off before the match has been played.

“I wouldn’t want to jinx it, is what I would say. Not in my lifetime. 

“We have been in this position and I don’t want to say anything that is going to make any presumptions at all. 

“Good luck to England on Sunday, we will be right behind you.”

Boris Johnson the Prime Minister Yesterday didn’t rule out declaring a bank holiday if the national team wins their first major honour in 55 years.

“Sunday 8 pm is a difficult time for families to plan to be together for the event – knowing we have an additional day off the next day would significantly help this.

“Furthermore, a historic win should be celebrated. It would be expected for the winning team to parade the trophy, and a bank holiday would be a perfect time to do this. 

“Also, English people would naturally want to continue to enjoy the win, giving the retail and leisure industry a much-needed opportunity to make up lost revenues.” Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed.

It’s unlikely the Prime Minister would declare a surprise day off for Monday late on Sunday night due to the logistical challenges of doing so.

The TUC has urged bosses to discuss flexible working arrangements with their staff, to ensure they can watch the final.

General secretary Frances O’Grady said the game promises to be a ‘historic moment for the country.
“We all hope the final against Italy is a cause for celebration.

‘And bosses should show flexibility towards the 2.2 million workers who work on a Sunday – many of the key workers.

“Many of them will want to watch the match, and they should be able to, either at work or by finishing early and making up the time,” O’Grady said.