Usdaw has strongly urged retailers to close on Boxing Day, advocating for a break for retail workers.
- Poundland closes its over 800 stores on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, joining John Lewis, Waitrose, and Home Bargains.
- This closure aims to give employees a well-deserved rest during the festive season, according to Usdaw’s Bally Auluk.
- Usdaw campaigns for the longest possible break for retail workers, suggesting stores open only with volunteer staff.
- The closures follow Poundland’s recent hiring of over 1,000 seasonal workers across the UK and Ireland.
The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers, known as Usdaw, is advocating for more retailers to shut their doors on Boxing Day. This plea comes as several prominent stores, including Poundland, which operates over 800 locations, have announced closures for both Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. These closures are part of a broader effort to ensure retail workers are afforded a proper break during the busy holiday season.
Poundland’s decision aligns with the commitments made by other major retailers such as John Lewis, Waitrose, and Home Bargains. These companies have heeded calls from Usdaw to provide their employees with time off, recognizing the importance of rest and recuperation for staff who work strenuously throughout the year. Usdaw National Officer Bally Auluk expressed appreciation for Poundland’s action, describing it as a continuation of past years’ practices of festive closures.
Auluk reiterated the union’s longstanding position that retail employees deserve the longest possible break during Christmas and New Year festivities. This move is not just about providing rest but also about acknowledging the hard work and dedication of retail workers. Usdaw suggests that if doors must remain open, staffing should be voluntary, allowing workers to choose if they wish to work during this period.
In a parallel development, Poundland has embarked on a recruitment drive, enlisting over 1,000 temporary workers to manage the surge in holiday shopping demand across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Simon Wells, Poundland’s People Director, highlighted the exceptional efforts of their team, particularly during the festive months, and expressed his delight in supporting them with some well-earned respite. This closure not only benefits their employees but also reflects an understanding of customer expectations and service quality during peak seasons.
Prominent retailers closing on Boxing Day mark a shift towards prioritizing worker welfare in the retail sector.
