MP Angela Smith has thrown her weight behind a campaign to ensure shopworkers have a guaranteed day off on Christmas Day.
Although it is traditional for workers to have the day free it is not an official bank holiday and retail premises are under no obligation to shut up shop.
Usdaw, the shopworkers' union, is campaigning for change to the law to protect Christmas Day and and this week Mrs Smith, MP for Basildon and East Thurrock, announced her support.
Last year she presented a petition to Parliament signed by shopworkers calling for action and now a Bill to guarantee Christmas Day off is going before the House of Lords.
Angela said: "Even Scrooge gave his staff Christmas Day off. I believe it is time to change the law and for all staff to be Guaranteed Christmas Day off.
"I think we can all survive one day a year without shopping so staff can spend it with their families."
Usdaw general secretary, Bill Connor, said: "I am delighted to have Angela's support.
"More and more of Usdaw's members are being asked to work on Christmas Day and we need to change the law."
Published Tuesday December 18, 2001
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