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Morrisons to close on Boxing Day so supermarket staff can spend time with loved ones
Other supermarkets have been urged to follow suit
In what could be the biggest power move of the year, Morrisons has announced that they will be giving all staff members the day off on Boxing Day.
While you may not be thinking about your Christmas plans just yet, the country’s retail workers are often left with no choice but to plan their very brief celebrations months in advance.
Thanks to the nation-wide opening hours in shops and supermarkets, particular workers are left with just one day to celebrate the festive season – the big day itself, Christmas Day.
Jim Barton / Geograph
But now, one supermarket giant has decided to nip this issue in the bud – Morrisons, who came under fire last year for remaining open on Boxing Day, has announced that all staff members across the country will this year get the day off.
A Morrisons spokesperson told the BBC: “Everyone at Morrisons has worked incredibly hard over the last eighteen months as we’ve responded to the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic, serving our customers and local communities.
“So this year, we’re taking the exceptional step of closing all our supermarkets on Boxing Day, so as many colleagues as possible can enjoy a two day weekend break with family and friends.”
The move has been welcomed by staff members and customers alike who agree that shops should not be open on Boxing Day and instead they should be with their family.
@Philafrenzy / Wikimedia Commons
Among those in favour of the move to close is Usdaw, the union for shop and distribution staff as it urges retailers to consider giving staff the opportunity for a ‘proper festive break.’
Usdaw National Officer Joanne McGuiness said: “The last year-and-a-half has been unlike any other. The pandemic meant shop workers stepped up and kept essential services running. We welcome Morrisons doing the right thing by their staff with the closure of supermarkets on Boxing Day.
“Key workers have done so much this year and we are asking retailers to give their staff the longest possible break over the festive season to provide them with a well-deserved breather. We don’t think this is too much to ask for.”