The day no-one wants to be going to work

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Monday 27th Oct 2003.

CHRISTMAS DAY opening by supermarkets and large stores is to be banned under new Government laws but it will not be imposed until next year.

The move is designed to protect workers from being pushed into working the day.

The Department of Trade and Industry said the ban could encourage other faiths to press for their holy days to receive similar treatment.

Under current law, large shops are only forced to stay shut on December 25 when it falls on a Sunday.

A recent Government survey of 102 retailers revealed that 92 per cent intended to stay shut on Christmas day with 50 per cent wanting to preserve the special nature of the day.

But almost 20 per cent conceded that their policy of remaining closed would depend on competitive pressures or changes in demand.

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