The TUC is today calling for an increase in the number of bank holidays to bring the UK into line with mainland Europe.

Research shows that at least 850,000 workers lose out on their minimum entitlement due to a "loophole" in the European working time directive, while a further 400,000 miss out as employers flout the law.

British employees are entitled to 20 days paid holiday, relying on bosses to allow them to take the additional eight bank holidays per year.