About this campaign
Shopworkers deserve a proper break over the festive period. We want retailers to put their hardworking staff first and allow them to get more time with their loved ones by cutting down on store opening hours.
Until staff in the retail industry have more time outside of work during the festive period then Christmas simply isn’t working for everyone.
How to support the campaign
The Christmas period is stressful enough for everyone, but it’s even worse for many in retail and in connected jobs like warehouse and distribution. Boxing Day sales mean many can’t even enjoy Christmas Day properly, having to be back in work early the following morning once again.
You can support the campaign to reduce work over the festive period by signing our petition.
The impact of Christmas working on our members
More than three-quarters of workers surveyed said that working over the Christmas period means that they spend too little time with their loved ones. Most retail workers are put under pressure to work on Boxing Day, and that’s why 97% them believe shops should be shut on Boxing Day.
For too many people, Christmas isn’t a proper holiday from work and ends up being even busier and more stressful than the rest of the year.
We want retailers to close shops by 4pm on Christmas Eve, stay closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and ensure that workers don’t miss out on pay when shops are closed.
See what some of our members said:
Know your rights - Working over the Christmas period
We've put together a handy FAQ guide on your rights over the Christmas period.
Check it out, or feel free to ask us a question if you're still not sure.
What we've achieved
For the second year running, Poundland will be shut on Boxing Day and New Year's Day, as a thank you to their hard working staff.
Usdaw welcomes this move and urge more retailers to follow suit, in giving their staff a much needed break over the festive period.