Major UK grocery store to shut for 2 days as ’employees should be with their family members’

A major UK supermarket has announced a two-day closure to benefit staff. Aldi’s bosses confirmed this week that all staff will be taking two days off over Christmas, meaning their stores will be closed on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The stores will re-open on December 27, with opening times expected to be extended in the run-up to the big festive day.

Richard Thornton, Communications Director at Aldi UK, said: “Customers will have plenty to look forward to in the run-up to Christmas, with exciting Christmas ranges hitting shelves in time for the festive season. Customers will have plenty to look forward to in the run-up to Christmas, with exciting Christmas ranges hitting shelves in time for the festive season.”

The move comes days after Poundland confirmed the same closures for its staff – although they went one step further and announced a three-day closing period, throwing in New Years Day.

They also confirmed that all branches of sister store Dealz will be closed for the same three days, although they only have branches in Poland, Ireland and the Isle of Man.

Poundland’s “people director” Simon Wells said: “We have brilliant colleagues here at Poundland and Dealz who work incredibly hard throughout the year, bringing our brands to life every day and supporting our customers.

“But we know they all particularly shine at Christmas, bringing the magic to our stores that our customers know and love. We’re delighted to be able to support them with a well-earned rest once the festive season is over.”

It is also hoped they will be hiring around 1,000 temporary staff members to cope with the Christmas rush, although the majority of those will only be employed until Christmas Eve, with some staying on until early January.

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