MPs to debate store closures on Boxing Day
London - After 200,000 people signed a petition for retailers to be closed on Boxing Day, MPs this week will debate whether the shops should remain shut.
Back in 2014 over 350,000 people were working, many involuntarily.
Members of Parliament will discuss whether lower paid retail staff are possibly exploited on Boxing Day and whether it deprives workers of family time.
Many feel they have no time for family or Christmas traditions as they are expected to work on Boxing Day, New Year's Day and throughout the holiday period.
According to the Retail Gazette it is not expected that a ban will be granted, as the Tory party have stated they do not believe government should interfere in how retail outlets are run. It is also unlikely that many retailers will voluntarily shut on December 26, as it remains a popular shopping day for the UK taking 3.74 billion pounds last year.
Labour MP and chair of the Petitions Committee Helen Jones stated: “I went from feeling quite indifferent about Boxing Day openings to believing it does exploit very low-paid workers."
"Workers often have to work late on Christmas Eve to get the shops ready and then have to go in very early on Boxing Day morning."
“What I’ve not seen is anything to convince me that Boxing Day generates extra trade, as opposed to just moving it from another day.”
Photo credit:Oxford Street, New West End Company website
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