18 May 2004 - USDAW Supports Ban on Working Christmas Day and New Year's Day in Scotland
The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw) has been recently concerned about an industry effort to stop shopworkers in Scotland getting a legal right to a day off on New Year's Day. The Usdaw wants legislation to ban larger stores opening on Christmas Day and New Year's Day in Scotland - giving workers the guarantee of at least two days to spend at home with their families.
These measures are contained in a Private Member's Bill prepared by Karen Whitefield, Labour MSP for Airdrie and Shotts, which is now going through the Scottish parliament. The next stage in the Bill's progress - public consultation - begins shortly. The Scottish Retail Consortium, however, is suggesting retailers could instead sign up to a statement that gives their workers the right to turn down the opportunity to work on New Year's Day.
Bill Connor, Usdaw general secretary commented:
"Voluntary agreements do not offer any formal guarantees to hard-working staff who simply want a few days to spend at home with their families. Shopworkers want an absolute and legally-backed guarantee that they will not be forced to work on Christmas Day or New Year's Day in Scotland."
More information can be found on the Usdaw web site here.
