We need a community day, says TUC

10:10am Monday 19th November 2007

The TUC and voluntary sector organisations are marking the longest period between bank holidays by calling for a new Community Day holiday in October to celebrate the work of UK's 20 million volunteers.

The Community Day campaign, backed by the TUC, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, Volunteering England, Community Service Volunteers and the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action, is calling for a new bank holiday to give people a break from work and encourage them to participate in community activities.

Community Day aims to encourage more people to take up volunteering on a regular basis. The voluntary sector is estimated to be worth £40bn a year to the economy, so a five per cent increase in the number of volunteers would cover the cost of an extra bank holiday.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: "The UK has fewer bank holidays than nearly every other country in Europe, so there is a huge demand for an extra day off work.

"Many people would also love to volunteer, but can't find the time because of work and other commitments. A Community Day would give everyone the chance to participate in their local community.

"Politicians are always waxing lyrical about the contribution that voluntary groups make to society. So why not properly recognise their work and give the voluntary sector a fantastic recruitment drive by backing the campaign for a Community Day bank holiday."