Ist May

[brionon]

Over all the world people are celebrating the Day of the Workers-except the UK because Mrs. Thatcher couldn't stand the Workers having a day for themselves. What do you think ?

[albaqwerty]

if workers want the day off, then that's fine by me.

I can't understand why you mention Thatcher.

[jackthehat]

Thatcher, Thatcher....Day of the Workers-snatcher?

That must have passed me by, sorry.

[ToraToraTora]

we are having a BH on Monday, it's always the first Monday following Labour Day. I don't see how the activities of MrsT have effected the May bank holiday.

[jake-the-peg]

You mean apart from the one brought in in 1978?

We just normally take the public holidays on the nearest/next(?) monday

Personally I quite like that arrangement

[sunny-dave]

Much as I might love a "Bash Maggie" thread, it just isn't true.

Since 1978 we do have a May Day holiday, but for pragmatic reasons it's on the first Monday in May rather than May 1st.

[Anngel]

..which of course means that we ALWAYS get a day off....when 1 May would have been over the weekend some years. Get your facts right brionon.

[Baldric]

What's wrong with next Monday, May 6th, making a long weekend out of it?
Pathetic OP imo!

[ichkeria]

There have however been lobbyists for abolishing the May Bank Holiday and moving it to a "Trafalgar Day" or something similar. (I mean perish the thought we might actually get an extra one!) Seems to have gone quiet on that front though in recent years.

England is pretty poorly off for Bank Holidays as it happens.

[jackthehat]

Oh come on.....on the one hand there are 'Facts' and on the other 'a chance to (erroneously) bash Maggie'.

Obviously irresistible for some...

[Baldric]

The first Monday of May is a bank holiday in the United Kingdom. It called May Day in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is known as the Early May Bank Holiday in Scotland. It probably originated as a Roman festival honoring the beginning of the summer season (in the northern hemisphere). In more recent times, it has been as a day to campaign for and celebrate workers' rights.
(timeanddate.com)

[anneasquith]

workers rights ? LOL

[naomi24]

//What do you think ? //

I think we have May Day on the first Monday of the month. Or have I missed something?

[youngmafbog]

Bank Holidays should be kept non political.

If you want lefty day off then take it off. The rest of us will enjoy a mayday holiday on Monday, which as pointed out makes a nice long weekend.

[woofgang]

but everyone works...everyone gets a holiday....what's the problem? Actually you are wrong as well....in the US Labor Day is in september.

[Svejk]

Ouch, poor old Brionon.

[Old_Geezer]

May day was "always" a bank holiday. But with scant regard for tradition it is now shifted to a convenient nearby Monday. I always intend to take it off anyway, but every year I forget. Besides I was off 2 days last week so I don't want to use all annual leave up.

[anotheoldgit]

Forget the Maypole and the Morris Dancers, the Guardian (no less) will put you right.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/may/01/may-day-history-international-workers-day

[mikey4444]

We here in Wales had our extra Bank Holiday this year on Wednesday 17th, so we aren't complaining !