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Could Workers Memorial Day become a new bank holiday?

The UK Government has today announced a new consultation to look at officially recognising Workers Memorial Day.

While its suggested tributes might include a new memorial, construction union Ucatt said it would be calling for a new bank holiday to be added to mark the day.

The Government admitted it would be speaking closely with lobby groups and unions for the consultation which will run until the autumn.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions James Purnell said: "We will seek the views of trade unions and other interested parties. I know there is a huge amount of support for the day and there are many ideas for consideration, including a lasting memorial to all those killed and harmed by work activity."

Following its inception in Canada in 1984, International Workers Memorial Day is already recognised as a national day in many countries around the world including Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Luxembourg, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Taiwan and the USA.

Ucatt welcomed the consultation and general secretary Alan Ritchie said: "Workers Memorial Day is becoming an increasingly important date in the calendar of workers. It is the day when workers come together to remember the dead and fight for the living. I am pleased that the Government now recognise just how important this date is."

He added: "Ideally the Government will decide to mark the day with a bank holiday. However the organisation of a minute's silence and greater encouragement for services and events to mark the day within workplaces would also be an important step forward."