Larger Scottish stores to face ban on Christmas Day and New Year Day opening

Karen Whitefield MSP today declares her plans to introduce legislation banning larger stores in Scotland from opening on Christmas Day and New Year's Day - proposals which, for the first time, would give shopworkers the guarantee of having both days to spend at home with their families.

Backed by leading shopworkers' union Usdaw, the MSP for Airdrie and Shotts will formally announce her plans at a Scotmid store in Edinburgh today (Tuesday).

Both Usdaw, the UK's fifth largest trade union, and Scotmid, one of Scotland's biggest employers with over 3,300 staff and 160 outlets, fully support the planned measures.

Under the terms of the Christmas Day and New Year's Day Trading (Scotland) Bill, stores larger than 280 square metres (3,000 square feet) will not be allowed to open on either day.

Karen Whitefield will promote the Private Member's Bill in the Scottish Parliament. It is then standard procedure for a period of public consultation, followed by further debate in Parliament.

The Labour MSP said: "Christmas Day and New Year's Day are very special to Scottish families. I believe that these days will not remain special if shops are allowed to open. My Bill will help ensure that these two collective days will remain days of rest for all Scottish people."

Usdaw, which has over 330,000 members in the UK and around 36,000 in Scotland, has long campaigned for larger stores to remain shut on Christmas Day and New Year's Day in Scotland. Usdaw General Secretary Sir Bill Connor said: "Legislation is essential to prevent larger stores opening and guarantee that shopworkers can spend these two days with their families."

Scotmid Chief Executive Officer Colin Bird said: "It is important for Scotmid to be involved in the launch of this Bill. Those working in the retail industry, as with the majority of the population, should have the right to enjoy the public holidays of Christmas and New Year's Day without having to work. In addition, as an organisation with strong community links, any Bill that enables people to spend time with those close to them, and thereby promotes family values, should be supported."

Note:

• Photocall: Senior Usdaw officials, Karen Whitefield MSP, and Scotmid Chief Executive Officer Colin Bird will be available for media interviews and photographs at the Scotmid store in Duke Street, Leith, Edinburgh, today (Tuesday) at 2pm.

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