NHS staff to get World Cup bank holiday

NHS staff in Scotland will get the bank holiday designed to mark the Scotland men’s national team’s return to the World Cup.

The Government announced the move earlier this year, with the day following the first group match – June 15 – selected as the date.

But uptake has been an issue, with some local authorities worried over the impact on services.

Health Secretary Neil Gray wrote to the representatives of NHS staff on Thursday to confirm they would receive the holiday, with measures to be put in place to allow the health service to operate as normal for a public holiday.

First Minister John Swinney 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.”

This week, the Scottish Government confirmed it would not meet its target of ridding Scotland of year-long waits for treatment by March, as it had intended.

The First Minister added: “I am deeply grateful for all they continue to do to drive progress and this holiday recognises that.

“Not only is this an historic sporting event, 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.”