AIBU to think that the shops should stay closed on Boxing Day and Christmas Day...

[PeaceofCakeAndGoodWineToAllMN]

...so that the staff can have 2 days off? I don't work in retail, my sister and friends do. Surely we can manage for 2 days without shopping so that they can have a rest? I know that this is part of their job, seems rather scrooge like to me though.

widow, people who work in shops may get the odd day off, but that's just it- the odd day. Not the whole of Xmas week, or even heaven forbid 2 or 3 days in a row. Why aren't they entitled to a break like everyone else?

maybe some want to work if its double pay. I would (and escape from family claustrophobia)

People who work in shops get a whole week off if they book it off. Just like everyone else.

Can this not be srted by offering two types of retail contract - one where you get bank hols off, and one where you are likely to be required to cover, but get tme and a half for it? That way no one who would prefer to be off ever has to work, but those who don't mind or prefer to, can.

YANBU - I would like to see shops closed Christmas and Boxing Day, and New Year's Day, in exchange for them being able to open on 'normal' hours on a Sunday. It drives me mad that on Sundays when DH works I can't go shopping at 9am - it would be so convenient!

Very good point SGM - if shops are only open during "working hours" then only people who don't work can go to the shops.

Including the people who work in shops...

I work in retail and you cannot book any holidays from 15 nov until 15 jan.

So trills you are wrong.

OP YANBU.

We used to fight over the bank holiday and Xmas shifts as it was double pay! But in other cultures, ie Islamic ones on eid day you will still find people working and shops and cafes open, the only part people will be off for is morning religious service?

YANBU - keep the essentials open by all means but less shut the consumer culture shops. Not all Christians celebrate christmas either lets not forget, but lots of people do and appreciate time with family and friends and away from work.

and the "amazing" sales could just start one day later.

I am not celebrating Christmas but would have no problem with large chain stores/supermarkets/ big out of town shopping centre being shut, I don't think it should be imposed on small family run/independent shops though, that should be a decision that is made by the owner.

YANBU at all. I work in retail. Thankfully this year I am on mat leave, but next year me and DP will only have one day at the most with DC and us together. He works in a service station (I can see why these need to stay open), so he may even have to work Christmas Day too. So possibly we will have no days together at all for our first family Christmas.

KalSkirata Unfortunately not, my employer has just scrapped double pay for all bank holidays.

Trills Every retailer I have ever worked for has had a holiday blackout throughout December and the first half of January. So no we can't have a week off at Christmas.

...it also gives people the oppotunity to work part time when the main wage earner is home and at the week ends/holidays/evenings when they are not at college.

LMFAO, at trills, sorry but no, us in retail do not get a week off over christmas if we book it.
Every retail job i have had blocks out holidays from last week november to first week jan.
And quite often if we want more than 2 weeks of, we have to have it authorised by HO, usually it is denied unless special circumstances etc.
I always offer to work xmas eve in exchange to have boxing day off, as i prefer it that way, its hard in retail, and in december its hell on earth.

Oh, and the only people getting double pay etc these days in retail are the people with 8yr old contracts, who also have to be notified 1 month in advance to work a BH etc.
So it usually ends up management being 'encouraged' to ask staff to work BH and then take a lieu day etc.

People who work in shops get a whole week off if they book it off. Just like everyone else.

no. dp works in retail and can't book any leave through the whole of December. (also has to book leave a year in advance).

What's the quote? 'Don't criticise a man until you've walked a mile in their shoes?' Shop staff are not allowed to take holidays over Christmas. My sister works part time yet she's working almost every day over Christmas. There's really no need for anyone to buy a new sofa on boxing day or a load of discounted clothes that no one wanted to buy at full price. It's the retailers who encourage people to do this because it generates profits. It makes me sick to be honest. If you work Mon-Fri 9-5 then you get 2 days off at the weekends.

YANBU. I think it really really sad that after all the frenzy of the pre-christmas rush, people are totally incapable of staying out of the shops for two bloody days.

Dd's next branch had 'family and friends' in to work with them today!! Shop shut at 3 and 70 staff, staff's friends and family, all prepared the shop for sale day!!

She said it was great!

Free labour then LittlestLight!

YANBU at all! I was discussing this with my DH just yesterday and think it's totally ridiculous! Why are the human race so incapable of just stopping for a few days?! I won't be one of the lemmings racing to the sales!