Retail workers are being urged to be given a break during the festive season.
- Poundland will close all its stores on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, joining other major retailers.
- Usdaw has long championed the longest possible breaks for retail staff during Christmas.
- The union suggests that stores open during holidays should be staffed exclusively by volunteers.
- The retail sector is witnessing a push for change in holiday working conditions from major players.
The call for more retailers to close on Boxing Day has gained momentum, with Usdaw, the trade union, advocating for retail workers to receive significant breaks during the festive period. This effort aligns with Poundland’s decision to shutter its over 800 locations on both Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, a move applauded by Usdaw as a means to provide employees with much-needed rest.
Bally Auluk, Usdaw’s national officer, expressed satisfaction with Poundland’s decision to close its stores, recognising it as a valuable continuation of past closures. He emphasised the importance of granting retail employees the longest possible break over Christmas, underscoring the union’s ongoing campaign for change.
Usdaw’s stance is clear: retail workers deserve to enjoy the festive season without the pressure of work demands, a sentiment echoed by Poundland people director Simon Wells. Wells highlighted the dedication of their employees throughout the year and acknowledged the exceptional efforts during Christmas, affirming that their contributions merit a well-earned rest.
The retail industry at large is being urged to reconsider their holiday staffing policies, with Usdaw advocating that any stores remaining open should only do so with volunteers, rather than mandating all staff to work. This call to action encourages retailers to value and respect their employees’ time with family during the Christmas and New Year period.
The push for better holiday working conditions highlights a shift towards prioritising employee welfare in the retail sector.
