Drive to ban festive shop opening

The union wants shop staff to be able to enjoy the festive season

A union has urged MSPs to back a bill which would ban big stores from opening on Christmas and New Year's Day.

Officials from shop staff union Usdaw dressed up in Santa costumes to seek support for the proposed legislation.

They also staged a protest outside Debenhams in Edinburgh's Princes Street because it will open on New Year's Day.

Karen Whitefield MSP will publish her member's bill next month but it has already been opposed by the Scottish Retail Consortium.

Usdaw said it wanted shop workers to have a legal right to celebrate Christmas and New Year at home with their families.

John Hannett, the union's general secretary, said: "This is without a doubt the busiest time of the year for all retail staff so we hope this sensible bill will give our members some much-needed quality time with their families.

"Everyone else has a relaxed Christmas and New Year's Day with their families and we believe shop workers deserve the same right."

'Work/life balance'

Ms Whitefield, Labour MSP for Airdrie and Shotts, said she hoped her bill would become law in time for next year's festive season.

She said: "We're grateful the Santas took some time from their busy schedule to deliver a message that really hit home with MSPs.

"This bill is gathering support in parliament because many MSPs recognise that there is no business case for stores opening on those special days.

"Shop workers want to achieve a proper work-life balance like everyone else in the festive season, so we are confident it will become law."

Proposals 'unhelpful'

The Scottish Retail Consortium has criticised the proposals, stating that it could cost stores millions in lost sales.

It said it had agreed a charter with stores which would ensure reluctant staff were not forced to work on those days.

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce chief executive Lesley Sawers described the proposals as "unhelpful".

"The value of retail to the city is well in excess of £2b a year. There are over 79,000 people employed in the sector in Glasgow and over half a million in Scotland as a whole," she said.

"Shop opening should be driven by consumer choice, and New Year opening is an area that doesn¿t require legal intervention. The only issue is that staff should not be forced to work, and after speaking to retailers, I am confident that will not be the case."