Retail worker’s union Usdaw is supporting a 170,000-sigature petition for shops to stay closed on Boxing Day.
The union commented it is “seeking the longest possible break for retail staff over the Christmas and New Year period.”

"We are also calling for shops to be closed on Boxing Day and New Year's Day, as well as early closing by 4pm on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve,"

In the past, Usdaw have successfully campaigned for larger stores to stay closed on Christmas day and are making efforts to increase this to smaller retailers.

Ian Lapworth, who set up the petition on change.org, stated that retailers should respect the holiday season and allow employees “some decent family time to relax and enjoy the festivities like everyone else.”
Adding: "Most retail workers are on the go up to Christmas Eve, then back on Boxing Day. Sometimes they have no choice.

"Forget making money for one day, let's concentrate on making more memories with the ones we love."
The petition has over 170,000 signatures many of which are from retail employees who support the cause as it attempts to decommercialise the festive period which is flooded with bargains.
There was a similar petition in 2015 which was given in to the government, however they responded saying it wasn’t their decision when businesses should open.