Only 64 shopping days to go … until our first guaranteed Christmas Day at home?

Shopworkers' trade union Usdaw, still celebrating the success of its campaign to ensure big stores stay shut on Christmas Day, is pushing for quick implementation of the new law.

Labour MP Kevan Jones' private member's bill, which bans stores larger than 280 sq metres from opening on Christmas Day, completed its final stage in the parliamentary process on Friday (15th October) - and Usdaw is today delighted to report that the bill now has Royal Assent.

The responsibility for implementing the Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004 rests with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Patricia Hewitt. Usdaw has already made representations to the Secretary of State, urging for the law to be in place for this Christmas.

"There could be no better Christmas present for people who work in big stores," said John Hannett, Usdaw's General Secretary. "This law means shopworkers can concentrate on enjoying Christmas, at home with their families, without the fear of being forced to work."

A final decision on the timetable for implementing the law is expected within weeks.

John Hannett added: "We are very grateful to everyone who supported our important campaign, and, in particular, to all of the MPs who helped us to make sure that Christmas Day is protected. I would like to thank them on behalf of Usdaw and the millions of shopworkers and their families who will benefit from this legislation."

Notes to Editors:

• Usdaw (the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK’s fifth largest union, with over 338,000 members. Most Usdaw members are shopworkers, although the union does have many members in other trades including transport, distribution, call centres, home shopping, food manufacturing, dairy process, chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

• All Usdaw news releases are available at our online Newsroom.

• Journalists can subscribe to receive Usdaw news releases via our online e-news service.

• Pictures (free of charge) are available from Usdaw’s Media and Communications department. Call 0161 249 2444 or e-mail arena@usdaw.org.uk.

• For more background information on Usdaw's Protect Christmas Day campaign is available at the Santa Watch campaign section.

• The Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004 applies only to England and Wales. Usdaw is supporting proposals, currently before the Scottish Executive, to ban big stores opening in Scotland on Christmas Day and New Year's Day .

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© 2003 (USDAW) Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers
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