 Home Campaigns Scottish Christmas Day and New Years Day Trading Resources
Bill clears first hurdle
04 November 2006
Members in Scotland were given an early Christmas present after MSPs overwhelmingly agreed the first stage of a bill that will force large stores to close on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Thousands of Usdaw members who work in shops had written to their MSPs urging them to support a bill that will give shopworkers two guaranteed days off in the most deregulated shopping environment in Europe.
Usdaw members reminded MSPs that Hogmanay is traditionally a time for families and if big stores opened their doors on New Year's Day it would mean centuries of tradition would be swept away as shopworkers would have to curtail their celebrations.
"Usdaw members across Scotland have lobbied hard for this bill and they are delighted that MSPs have decided to support them," said general secretary John Hannett. "The bill has passed its first hurdle and we will continue to keep the pressure on. Opponents of the bill argued there was no popular support for giving shopworkers some respite during the festive season, but our members and their families have been vindicated by this vote. "Writing letters to your elected representative does work.
"Our members are very grateful to Labour MSP Karen Whitefield who has done a brilliant job taking this bill. It will give shopworkers the chance of a proper work/life balance during the festive season without damaging the Scottish economy or hurting the tourist trade.
"Retailers have lost nothing because stores rarely opened on those days anyway but making sure we keep Christmas Day and New Year's Day special for future generations of shopworkers means the efforts of our members has resulted in a victory for common sense."
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