Lords push for large shops to keep Christmas Day special

Peers
have given their approval to a bill that makes it illegal for large shops to
open on Christmas Day.

The
Christmas Day (Trading) Bill has passed its third and final reading in the
House of Lords and will now go to the House of Commons.

Bill
Connor, general secretary of the shop workers’ union Usdaw, said the bill,
which will prevent shops over 280 square metres opening on Christmas Day, would
protect his members rights.

He
said, "Year on year, more and more shops are opening their doors on 25
December leading to our members being forced into work on the most special day
of the year.

"Christmas
is a very busy time in the retail industry and shop workers are generally not
allowed to take holidays during December and January.

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"I
don’t think it is too much to ask that they should be allowed one guaranteed
day away from work."

By Ben Willmott