Taxpayers face coughing up £200,000 for a council staff to get a day off for the Welsh patron saint – after the government refused the extra holiday.
Welsh nationalists would like to celebrate St David’s Day, March 1, with a special day of work and bank holidays.
Boris Johnson’s government rejected Boris Johnson’s request, as there were too many people who commute to work across Wales and England.
Gwynedd Council of North Wales will now discuss the issue.
Gwynedd Council, North Wales will be holding a meeting to discuss the day’s plans
Saint David, who was the Welsh bishop of Mynyw and is revered as the patron saint for Wales, was actually called Saint David.
But already it is feared it cost £200,000 to employ part-time staff to keep the council running for the day off.
Proposed: “St David’s Day 2020 is to be added as a holiday for Council staff who are working under the terms and conditions of employees of local governments, in celebration of our patron saint’s Day.”
An alternative suggestion of a half-day off, which would cost £100,000, is also mooted.
St David is a beloved figure in Wales, with everyone paying tribute to him on his birthday
Paul Scully, MP, Minster for Small Business rejected them in a reply.
He explained that, despite the fact that we understand the desire of the Welsh to commemorate their patron saint, the English/Welsh border is home to more workers than the English/Scottish.
“The closer integration of the two countries could lead to greater disruption in business. It would be difficult for both businesses and employees to forecast the effects of separate bank holidays in England or Wales.
Gwynedd Council stated that the Welsh Government’s response to the question was “hugely disappointing” and that they cannot take the final decision. However, it must be taken in Westminster.
The Welsh Government was unable to answer the request of the council because it is clear that Westminster’s current government has no plans to devolve this power.
Tomorrow’s Bank Holiday Wish will be up for discussion by the councilors.
St David is recognized as the most important figure of the Welsh Age of Saints 6th Century.
He is believed to be the father of many religious communities and the patron saint of Ireland and Britain.
St David died on 1 March – St David’s Day – in 589 and was canonised by Pope Callixtus in the 12th century.
David, the Waterdrinker was his unusual name. He ate very modestly and only drank water and bread.