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Arena Magazine 2006 Issue 1 January February |
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Scottish Santas say No No No
An elite hit squad of Scottish Santas were sent to lobby MSPs at the Scottish Parliament in December to seek support for a new bill that will ban large stores from opening on Xmas Day and New Year’s Day.
The Santas interrupted their usual festive duties to publicise the campaign in Edinburgh city centre before moving on to the Scottish parliament at Holyrood. They gathered a sack full of support for the bill sponsored by Airdrie and Shotts MSP Karen Whitefield. Glasgow Anniesland MSP Bill Butler is also backing the bill.
General secretary John Hannett also made the trip north to promote the campaign outside Debenhams in Edinburgh, (the department store has consistently opened its doors on New Year's Day).
"The bill is expected to be published soon," he said. "I'm confident it will get enough support to give shopworkers the legal right to be at home celebrating with their families on these special days.
"This is without doubt the busiest time of the year for all retail staff so this sensible bill will help take the pressure off our members who deserve a relaxed Christmas Day with their families.
"We're very grateful to the MSPs for their support."
Karen Whitefield MSP is keen to get the bill on the statute books. "Shopworkers deserve time off on Christmas Day and New Year's Day which was the message that really hit home with MSPs and the shopping public," she said.
"This bill will make sure that shopworkers can spend some quality time with their families on the two most important dates in the Scottish calendar.
"This bill is gathering support in parliament because many MSP's recognise that there is no business case for stores opening on these days and that shopworkers want to achieve a proper work/life balance like everyone else during the festive season."
- If you believe that stores should be closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day in Scotland then write to your local MSP and make sure they support this bill.
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