TUC general secretary Brendan Barber

The TUC has called for British workers to be given an additional bank holiday.

British workers have eight bank holidays a year, compared to a European average of 11.

The union organisation is now holding an online poll to promote debate on when a new bank holiday should be held.

Suggestions currently include New Year's Eve, a Monday in October and the national saint's days of England, Scotland and Wales.

"We work the longest hours and have the fewest public holidays," said TUC general secretary Brendan Barber.

"It's about time we caught up with the rest of Europe in the holiday stakes.

"Indeed it is very hard to see why people in England, Scotland and Wales should have two fewer days than Northern Ireland."