As many Swindonian’s head to the Boxing Day sales there are calls for retailers to remain closed on Boxing Day to allow shop staff more time with their families.
USDAW, Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers, have revealed over 75% of workers surveyed felt they spend too little time with their families over the Christmas period.
Retailers such as Next and Matalan both start their Boxing Day sales in the early hours meaning staff need to start their shifts as early as 3.30am.
Although the retailers advise working these shifts is done on a voluntary basis two-thirds of the workers felt pressured to work.
USDAW is also calling on stores to close at 4pm on Christmas Eve saying ‘The run-up to Christmas is a busy and stressful time for everyone working in retail, and in the warehouses and distribution centres too.’
‘Retail workers put in long, tough shifts to help customers get ready for Christmas, and barely have the time or energy to make their own preparations.’
‘Far too often they don’t get a decent break, finishing late on Christmas Eve and then back in to work early on Boxing Day.’
