NHS staff to be given World Cup bank holiday

All NHS staff will be offered the one-off bank holiday for the World Cup, the Scottish Government has confirmed.

The bank holiday on June 15 was announced back in February to mark the national men’s football team’s return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 28 years.

The opener against Haiti is on Sunday, June 14, with kick-off scheduled for around 2am UK time. The bank holiday, sanctioned by the King, would give Scots Monday, June 15, off.

Health secretary Neil Gray has written to representatives confirming that all NHS staff across the country will have the chance to celebrate Scotland’s success.

Measures will be put in place to ensure the NHS will continue to operate as it would on public holidays, the Scottish Government has said.

John Swinney said the holiday recognises the ongoing “efforts” of staff working on the NHS frontlines.

The First Minister said: “The bank holiday on June 15 is a chance to get together with family and friends and make the most of the men’s national football team competing in the first World Cup finals for 28 years.

“I want to ensure that our hard-working NHS staff have that opportunity, so I am pleased to confirm all NHS Scotland staff will benefit from the extra holiday.

“The efforts of NHS staff have seen waits of over a year decreasing for eight consecutive months, and new outpatient waits over a year more than halving since July 2025. I am deeply grateful for all they continue to do to drive progress, and this holiday recognises that.

“Not only is this a historic sporting event, but it’s also a chance for Scotland to be on the world stage, to attract business development, create tourism interest and make cultural and sporting connections.”

The bank holiday will not guarantee a paid day off for everyone.

Bank and public holidays do not have to be given as paid leave, and there is no requirement for businesses to close. Employers may choose to include bank holidays as part of a worker’s statutory annual leave entitlement.

On Thursday, the Highland Council joined Moray, Orkney, Edinburgh, Falkirk and Fife in rejecting the formally declared national holiday.

It was previously reported that the holiday will cost Glasgow City Council more than half a million pounds.