Britain’s high street could shut for three full days if a call from unions is listened to. Yesterday, we reported how a major high street brand had announced it will close all 800 stores for three days. Poundland – somewhere many last-minute shoppers might flock to on Christmas Eve – will be shut on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.
While the vast majority of the high street will fall silent on Christmas Day anyway, Poundland’s bosses have gone one step further with its announcement.
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Citing that “staff need a well-earned rest” it will also see all branches of sister store Dealz will be closed for the same three days although they only have branches in Poland, Ireland and Isle of Man.
And following on from that, a top retail trade union has demanded that all shops country-wide follow suit and take on Poundland’s idea.
USDAW (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) national officer Bally Auluk said: “After discussions with Poundland, we very much welcome the company again closing all their stores on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, to give their staff a proper break over the festive season.
“This is a much-appreciated continuation of past years’ festive closures. We don’t think it is too much to ask to give shop workers the longest possible break over Christmas and New Year. We now hope that other retailers will follow suit, by closing their stores to help workers enjoy the festive season and give them a well-deserved breather.”
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The move has actually been welcomed by shoppers, if the comments on the Daily Star’s Facebook page are anything to go by.
One wrote: “All shops should do it. Instead of think about the money they can make. But some people will complain that they can’t go out shopping because the shops are shut. Well tough I say… The staff in the shops work hard all year they deserve to have time off at Christmas…(sic).”
Another commented: “I think all stores should close early on Christmas eve and Christmas day and Boxing day should be closed. They should finish early new years eve and closed new year’s day. Companies should start thinking more of their staff than thinking of money.”
And a third added: “Great idea there should be more of this going on.”
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