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Arena Magazine Issue 04 |
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Xmas Day lobby taken to Westminster
Usdaw’s campaign to press the Government to legislate against large stores opening on Christmas Day has been vindicated after more than 1,000 individual shopworkers responded to the Government’s consultation, with 99.9 per cent supporting the proposed legislation.
Significantly, 98 per cent of shopworkers feared that without protection, staff could be forced to work on Christmas Day despite family or religious objections.
General Secretary Sir Bill Connor, who presented the responses to the Department of Trade and Industry Minister Gerry Sutcliffe, said: "This is a fantastic response. It is the best feedback we have ever had from our membership on a Government consultation, and I thank our members for their backing.
"Christmas Day working looms large over all British shopworkers and, without legislation, it is a real possibility in today's retail sector.
"The Government has said it will outlaw Christmas Day opening by the large stores, and we welcome this support. In light of the responses we have received, we want a legal guarantee shopworkers can spend Christmas Day with their family."
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