To think we shouldn't have to work the day before Christmas Eve?

Is this your first job? I'm going to assume so.
"having Christmas off" in retail means Xmas day and Boxing Day - and there's plenty of people who don't get that perk.

Having a team build event in Manchester where you'll actually find out what's happening, what to expect in the future etc is a good thing. This shows your company treats its employees well. You may not be interested in doing any more than bare minimum, but some of your colleagues will be and they'll probably get a lot from the day.

You sound immature, unambitious and weirdly entitled. Your description of "black eye Friday" says it all.

I’ve travelled longer than that to visit relatives I didn’t really want to see, spent a few hours bored out of my mind, had to pay for a takeaway I didn’t want, it cost a fortune in petrol, and it was during my Christmas holidays. I can understand the annoyance she’s facing but people do much more than that for free.

But would you be happy to drive for 6 hours in heavy traffic to do so?

As I said when the company opened
We were told we close black eye Friday
Also the days we are closed over Christmas come out of our holiday allowance

She didn’t say travelling expenses were not paid, just that she had to travel.

In relation to comparing essential services.. you do know, don’t you, that NO NHS worker wants to work at this time of year. we sign up because it’s a vocation that overrides working conditions, for the benefit of people like you and the op.

The OP’s terms and conditions are to work on this non Christmas day.

I would love to be paid 2 days before Christmas just to eat food and play games. I work at a nursery and we always have to work Christmas Eve until 1pm (unless it’s a weekend). It’s the most pointless thing ever, we just stick Peppa pig on the I-pad and hope no potty training kids sh*t themselves. Last year (I think?) because Christmas Eve was on a weekend I had to work the entire day (22nd) and do a deep clean whilst I had a full class of kids and some apprentice students to be in charge of. Meanwhile other rooms had less so loads of staff got to home early. I had a child there until past closing time, was pregnant and exhausted and still got whinged at in the New yr because I hadn’t gotten round to cleaning the skirting boards.

You are moaning about having a company engagement event, all costs covered, including your time. Well just think… there are thousands of nurses, doctors, paramedics etc that DONT get 2 weeks off, and most have to work everyday except one day with Christmas and new year if they are lucky. You are being unreasonable.

@blinddoorshyt welcome to the world of work. As part of your employment, you are expected to attend company events. They are paying you for the day, therefore they can ask you to do anything they see as necessary to fulfil that role. It's an end of year event, with a presentation on the years performance. They may be seeking to show you next year's business plan, what needs to happen with sales, changes for the new year. It is clear you normally don't travel, you are very fortunate, that doesn't mean that you should expect to never travel. They've also offered you compensation in time in the New Year.
If you don't want to go, take the days leave. Your attitude to your employer suggests that perhaps they may do better with someone more committed.
Maybe have a think that many people will work Christmas, many people will drive hundreds of miles not just on the 23rd, but also 😱 24th, 25th, 26th etc, many won't get to see their families, many don't get offered time off for this, or get paid for their travel or have a job.

Do you have evidence for this? I’m 59 and disabled and can easily not need the loo in a three-hour period. I would think it very odd if “most” adults can’t.

It’s called black eye Friday where I live. People go out get drunk and cause all kinds of problems for the emergency services. Usually fights hence the black eye

I would love a day like that instead of working! I work in a hospital and only get a half days annual leave (on Christmas Eve) and am working over Christmas and New Year. So I don't have a huge amount of sympathy I'm afraid.

Missing the point?

When was a shop asst expected to drive 360 miles in one day for a mince pie and a pep talk, on the day half the country will be on the move for Xmas?

She's not a sales rep or a snr manager. She's on the minimum wage and was contracted to work in the shop.

That drive on that day will be far harder work than selling someone a new bath.

The lack of sympathy here is astounding.

@blinddoorshyt welcome to the world of work. As part of your employment, you are expected to attend company events. They are paying you for the day, therefore they can ask you to do anything they see as necessary to fulfil that role. It's an end of year event, with a presentation on the years performance. They may be seeking to show you next year's business plan, what needs to happen with sales, changes for the new year. It is clear you normally don't travel, you are very fortunate, that doesn't mean that you should expect to never travel. They've also offered you compensation in time in the New Year.
If you don't want to go, take the days leave. Your attitude to your employer suggests that perhaps they may do better with someone more committed.
Maybe have a think that many people will work Christmas, many people will drive hundreds of miles not just on the 23rd, but also 😱 24th, 25th, 26th etc, many won't get to see their families, many don't get offered time off for this, or get paid for their travel or have a job.

I'd not go.

It sounds as if the owners have no idea of the traffic on the 23rd which is when most people will be travelling.

Going across country from Northumberland to Manchester is not an easy drive.
You should expect delays and you'd need to leave home very early.

The M6 is notorious for jams and accidents.

I'd find another job.

There must be plenty of work in shops between Morpeth and Newcastle- even if you have to travel into Newcastle each day.

We aren't getting any travel expenses
We have been told we get 2 hours to use in January as a early finish

The shop being open would of been fine
It's travelling to Manchester
Event starts at 9 am and finishes 6 pm
So won't be home till 9pm at night