BURNLEY'S MP has blasted East Lancashire's "mean-minded" bosses after it was revealed that some have no intention of paying workers for this year's extra Bank Holiday.

Peter Pike urged all employers to stump up for the holiday on June 3 to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Pike called on Robin Cook, Leader of the House, to clarify the point.

Mr Pike said: "My Right Hon friend might be surprised to find that many mean-minded employers have no intention of paying their hourly paid workers for the public holiday to be held for the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

"Is it not time for a debate about when workers are entitled to be paid for public holidays, recognising the fact that we have fewer public holidays than almost any other country in Europe?

"It is always the hourly paid or the lowest paid workers who lose the most."

Mr Cook replied: "

"Given that the Bank Holiday on June 3, is to commemorate Her Majesty's Jubilee, we would expect all patriotic employers to ensure that their employers can enjoy that day, and enjoy it with pay."

Speaking after the debate, Mr Pike said: "The extra Bank Holiday for the Queen's Jubilee on Monday, June 3, is a public holiday.

"I am amazed to find that some employers are not to pay their workers a holiday day.

"It is a rare event and I would hope that employers do not only ensure their workers get a days holiday, but that if they have to work they get paid for it."