MANY readers will be aware that the UK currently has among the lowest numbers of bank holidays of countries across Europe.

Many of the worlds G20 countries have 12 bank holidays or more.

Currently, England and Wales have eight bank holidays a year, while Scotland and Northern Ireland have nine and 10, respectively.

With more and more people working longer hours and employers increasingly seeking to reduce or minimise leave entitlement, leisure time is more important than ever.

Recognised leisure time not only helps people take a much-needed break from work, it also enables families to spend time together.

I was really pleased to see that Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has announced bold plans to introduce extra bank holidays for all the four saints days of the home nations to be officially recognised across the UK.

Under a Labour government, the saints days of St David on March 1, St Patrick on March 17, St George on April 23, and St Andrew November 30 could all be celebrated and officially recognised in a move that would benefit everyone.

At a time when there is uncertainty about the future of the United Kingdom, it makes sense to celebrate our diverse culture and history.

There is no reason why this should not include extra bank holidays, if other countries can afford them why cant we? It’s certainly a move that gets my vote.

Joan Pritchard-Jones

Deane