family christmas tree

There is a strong case for earlier closing on Christmas Eve to give staff time with their communities, families and friends 

Sir, There is a cogent commercial case for longer Christmas retail breaks within the UK retail sector for the purpose of boosting sales, productivity and shareholder value.

There is a strong case for earlier closing on Christmas Eve to enable retail staff to get home early - this will give them the opportunity to attend the Christingle services in their communities with families and friends alike. After all, they say Christmas begins at dusk on Christmas Eve.

In Germany Boxing Day is more accurately called ‘Second Christmas Day’. Hence a case for retail closure.

Retail sales would win hands-down in this scenario - more goods would be bought before a longer Christmas break. One can’t beat the “panic buy” factor.

And incidentally these principles also feed into the case for retail closure on Remembrance Sunday.

John Barstow, member, Usdaw Executive Council

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