A one-off extra bank holiday will be held at the end of summer to celebrate the role of frontline workers during the Covid crisis.

It replaces the Senior Race Day bank holiday whose cancellation has prompted a number of petitions, signed by more than 15,000 people in total.

A provisional date of Friday August 28 has been planned, providing for an extended four-day August bank holiday.

Enterprise Minister Laurence Skelly revealed news of the one-off bank holiday as he gave evidence to a Public Accounts Committee this morning.

Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan confirmed the plan for an additional bank holiday and apologised for the lack of information on this matter.

The proposed date is being established in recognition of the efforts being made by health and social care staff, key workers and the community while the island deals with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

The suggestion was contained in a letter to Tynwald members outlining the reasons behind withdrawing the Senior Race Day Bank Holiday, scheduled for June 12.

This year’s Isle of Man TT Races were cancelled on March 16 as the government stepped up preparations in readiness for the impact of the pandemic, and to provide clarity for stakeholders.

Mr Cannan said: ‘There has been considerable economic and employment disruption that has already taken place across many industries and given that the primary purpose of the Bank Holiday - TT racing - is no longer relevant, it is considered appropriate to remove any confusion and cancel this event.

‘It is, however, appropriate to consider a further bank holiday later in the summer to recognise and celebrate the efforts of health and social care staff, key workers and the community in meeting the challenges of the pandemic, and to do so at time when it is hoped some restrictions will have been lowered.’

Mr Cannan added: ‘This has been discussed with the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers and is provisionally being planned for Friday August 28.

’This will hopefully mean that more families and friends can come together to properly mark the occasion and that more local businesses in the hospitality and leisure sector will benefit.

‘I apologise for a lack of information being made available on this until now, and look forward to a formal confirmation taking place next week.’