It's a bit mental especially as a government department, we can't get much done when there are public holidays. There are 8 public holidays (9 this year) which are generally matched across the country but it's the 2.5 privilege holiday days which screw things up. Whit Monday, Queens Birthday and Maunday Thursday can be taken to match a local holiday. Government departments in Scotland also have permission to match or transfer two more to cover local holidays one of which being the 2nd January. It's a pain in the backside really national organisation should be matching PH's with their HQ, especially if that is in England.
St Andrews day is not a PH...... yet though got help us if Salmond, Sheridan's old gang and the Greenies get their way!!