The Queen's diamond jubilee looks like it is going to be a joyous celebration with pageants and parties all around the British Isles and ex-pat enclaves around the world as people celebrate the reign of the monarch.
I remember the silver jubilee. We had the obligatory street party. I also went to Butser Hill near Petersfield to watch the lighting of the beacon (beacons were historically lit to send a message when warships were spotted off the coast).
This weekend is at least four days long with an extra added to the traditional end of May bank holiday. The break will be very welcome for employees who see it as their right to take a break from the grind.
The holiday is not without its costs. For hard pressed landscape and garden bosses the holiday comes at the time of year when schedules are packed with little time for a breather.
For gardeners the grass is growing at its strongest and new plants and turf need watering to survive. Just think of the garden parties where lawns and borders need to look their best. Everyone would have wanted this service at the last minute just before the long weekend.
For landscapers there will be pressure from homeowners to start and complete projects in time for summer....there will be much stress around the country.
Spare a thought for the boss
Putting schedules to one side there is also the financial implication for the business owner.
I know there will be little sympathy from employees because the boss is often considered to be a lucky money counter.
The reality is that many garden bosses will likely to be working through this weekend working on schedules, visiting new clients (who can only meet weekends because of their own work commitments) and putting books and finances in order due to that extra bit of thinking time.
A worker isn't entitled to being paid unless it is stated in an employees contract of employment but it often causes resentment if the boss doesn't cough up. It can certainly damage morale amongst a workforce.
Bank holiday pay isn't something that can be claimed back. Paying a day's wages and getting nothing in return not only costs a business the actual sum paid out but it also means the additional loss of profit.
There is the headache of catching up the lost time to boot.
So if yo are sitting on the banks of the Thames watching the flotilla, sipping a cold beer, raise your glass for your boss and say thanks.
For heaven's sake...whatever you do, don't throw a sicky on Wednesday!
Image: Directgov
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