News Desk
-  Estimated losses at "prolonged" holidays put at £6 billion

Businesses are preparing themselves for more losses in productivity in London, with the improving weather and extra bank holidays during Easter creating an "unprecedented childcare headache" with many parents having to stay off work to look after their children.

The UK is to have an extra bank holiday on 29 April for the Royal wedding; with some economists already fearing that a quarter of a percent will be wiped off the UK's economic growth, because of the number of lost working days.

Banks holidays:
Royal Wedding - 29 April
Early May Bank Holidays - 2 May
AV Referendum - some schools shut - 5 May

Some parents are facing a massive problem with childcare with new figures published by the Office of National Statistics showing that 66 per cent of mothers are working outside of their home, with at least 30 per cent with full time jobs.

Grandparents and friends are being asked to look after children during this period with childminders and nurseries all expected to be taking holidays at this time also.

Holiday firms are reporting a rise in trade during the Easter break with the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) have said that the "prospect of taking three day’s leave and receiving an 11-day holiday than people’s lack of patriotism."

Many travel firms have announced an increase in holiday bookings during the Easter period, with Thomas Cook and Holidaybreak optimistic about receiving even more.  Chief Executive of Holidaybreak, Martin Davies, said they expect to do good business both out of people coming to London for the wedding and those looking to escape it.