A WORCESTERSHIRE man is lobbying employers to support his vision of a day in bed every four years.
James Cox, from Evesham, has launched Duvetday, which aims to get employers to sanction a day off from work and headteachers to allow students a day off from school on Friday, February 29, and every leap year thereafter.
The day at home, wrapped up in a duvet would be in return for a £1 donation towards environmental charities.
"If you are on a monthly salary you kindly work the extra day and you do not get paid," said Mr Cox.
"This is a massive opportunity to say hang on a minute, why don't we take it off?'" By staying at home Mr Cox believes the nation would considerably reduce their carbon emissions because they would not be travelling to work by car.
"We are heavily trying to get Worcestershire County Council on board. David Cameron (leader of the Conservative party) has responded to say he is very interested and very keen but needs to take further advice.
"We contacted former Prime Minister Tony Blair but he was concerned we were creating a national bank holiday, but it is different, it is every four years."
The idea was born when 44-year-old Mr Cox was watching television last year and heard the first Monday in February was officially the greatest truancy day for members of the public not turning up to work.
"People get a little bit bogged down and fed-up with the weather and dark mornings,"Mr Cox said.
"So I thought about what we could do and try and turn it into something positive."
A spokesman for Worcestershire County Council, said: "It does not apply to anybody working at the county council because they are paid per annum.
"Therefore there is no technical reason to have the day off."
To find out more about the idea visit www.duvetday.org
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