Guernsey States advised to avoid holiday snub to Queen

The Commerce and Employment Department said there was "general acceptance" of the move

Guernsey could follow England and Wales in commemorating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee with a bank holiday.

The States will be asked to approve switching the Spring Bank Holiday on the last Monday in May 2012 to 4 June.

In addition, Tuesday 5 June would become a public holiday, meaning many would have four days off in a row.

Commerce and employment minister Carla McNulty-Bauer said not making the change "might be portrayed as a personal snub to the Queen".

She said: "The reputational risks are high and outweigh any costs."

However, Deputy McNulty-Bauer's report to the States, which will be debated at its July meeting, also made clear the move could cost the States up to £250,000 in staff wages.

The department consulted employer and employee groups about the idea and reported "general acceptance".