Celebrating the protection of Christmas Day
Barbara Follett MP is pleased to announce that the Christmas Day (Trading) Bill has passed its final stage in Parliament.
The Bill, backed by Usdaw, the shopworkers union, means that all large stores must close on Christmas Day and this would give most shopworkers at least one day off at Christmas.
Mrs Follett said “I have backed this Bill from the beginning and I am delighted that it has now become law. Even Scrooge gave his staff Christmas Day off. Staff in large retail stores work exceptionally long hours in the run-up to Christmas. This new law should provide them at least Christmas Day off, to spend time with their families. This is important for everyone, but especially for people with children. It also ensures that Christmas Day remains special for us all and doesn’t become just another shopping day”.
John Hannatt, Usdaw’s General Secretary, was quick to thank Mrs Follett for her support.
He said “We are very grateful to Barbara Follett and to all of the MPs who helped us to make sure that Christmas Day is protected. I would like to thank them on behalf of Usdaw and the millions of shopworkers and their families who will benefit from his legislation”.
Notes:
- Previous legislation did not prevent large stores from opening on Christmas Day, unless it fell on a Sunday.
- New legislation prevents all large stores of over 3,000 square feet (the size of a tennis court) from opening on Christmas Day, whichever day of the week it falls on.
- The Bill is sponsored by Kevan Jones MP (Labour, Durham North)
- Further information on Usdaw’s campaign to Protect Christmas Day can be found at www.usdaw.org or by emailing christmasday@usdaw.org.uk or phoning Usdaw’s Political Office on 0161 249 2452.
Issued: 18.10.04
Further information
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