A CAMPAIGN to get more bank holidays is gaining a head of steam.

Britain has fewer public holidays than many countries there are currently eight each year, while France enjoys 11, Swedish workers get 12 and the lucky Spanish, Maltese and Portuguese have 14 each. Slovakia wins with 18 days off a year in addition to holidays.

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has been petitioning for three days to be added to the working year, and announced today a poll has showed the most popular days to be during the autumn half term, New Year's Eve, and on the patron saint's days for England, Scotland and Wales.

The TUC argues that any loss in productivity would be offset by boosts to tourism and the retail trade.

General Secretary Brendan Barber said: "If we all were able to take a few days off work, rather than losing out, employers would benefit from a less-stressed, more contented, productive staff.

"We want the Government to introduce three extra public holidays. It would be a real vote winner."

Swindon Council leader Mike Bawden(Con, Old Town and Lawns) said: "From an employers' point of view it would push up costs, whether that's a private company or Swindon Council.

"Bank holidays can be a good occasion for the council from a leisure point of view, as if it is wet people often go to the Oasis and the Link Centre, but then there is the question of having staff work on a bank holiday, which all are not willing to do.

"After this weekend we are facing four months without a break, and it would be useful to have them geared to school holidays, but even then not all holidays are the same any more.

"I personally am in favour the idea is good but it may be more difficult to organise."

Swindon Pubwatch chairman Carl Brown, owner of the Mail Coach in Fleet Street, said: "From a licensing trade point of view it's a good thing holiday times are when people enjoy themselves. A bank holiday in the autumn would be good way of having a break between August and Christmas."

Wiltshire police spokeswoman Jacqui Broadbridge said that although bank holidays lead to heavier traffic on the roads in particular the M4 and A303 in Wiltshire there is no increase in incidents logged.

Town centre manager Bernie Maguire said: "Personally I think it's a great idea, but you have to look at it from the retailers' point of view.

"They don't get any bank holidays off and while it may be another holiday for most people they still have to work.

"There can then be issues with organising child care, for example."

Tom Morton