It is time to give shop workers a decent break says Daniel Zeichner MP.

A new survey of 12,000 shopworkers found that 97% think shops should be closed on Boxing Day, 98% want stores to close early on Christmas Eve and just 4% of retail staff are happy to work on Boxing Day.

Mr Zeichner is backing a campaign for legislation to ensure large shops close on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day; as well as closing by 4pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

The Cambridge MP says:

“Shoppers have a limited amount of cash to spend so why do we need shops open for longer and longer? The trend of more stores opening for longer over the festive period inevitably has a big impact on shopworkers’ Christmas celebrations. Finishing late on Christmas Eve and then getting straight back to work on Boxing Day means that Christmas Day is not a proper break.

“The Christmas sales now happen throughout December and January, so let’s make Boxing Day a quieter affair so shop workers can have a break and enjoy the season with friends and family.”