“This will allow all our colleagues to spend a little more time with their families, which we know is important to them, while enabling our customers to shop for the items they may need during the festive period.”
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Sainsbury’s called out for ‘acting like Scrooge’ and forcing staff to work on Boxing Day
‘Staff deserve a well-earned break’
Sainsbury’s has announced plans to open on Boxing Day despite union bosses urging the supermarket to give staff a break.
The supermarket has come under fire following its decision to open between 10am and 5pm on December 26th.
Representatives at Unite accused the company of ‘putting wealth before the wellbeing of its workforce’ after one of the toughest years on record for the supermarket staff.
The union has described the chain as ‘acting like Scrooge’ following the decision.
The union is calling on the supermarket to close on Boxing Day so staff can enjoy ‘a well earned break’ after working in ‘difficult conditions throughout the pandemic’.
They are also calling for measures to help staff get home safely after midnight when public transport might be limited.
The supermarket has agreed to reduce its opening hours but supermarkets will be open from 6am to midnight from December 21st to December 23rd.
Unite national officer Bev Clarkson said: “In A Christmas Carol, Scrooge begrudgingly gives Bob Cratchit Christmas Day off but demands he be in on Boxing Day.
“By refusing to give their workforce – many of whom, like Bob Cratchit, will have worked until late Christmas Eve – a well-earned break on Boxing Day, Sainsbury’s are acting like Scrooge.
“Putting wealth before the wellbeing of its workforce certainly doesn’t chime with Sainsbury’s warm-hearted Christmas ads currently running on TV.”
Sainsbury’s is said to be anticipating pre-tax profits to top £270million for the year, and over £586million in 2021-22.
Clarkson added: “Scrooge learns that some things are more important than the pursuit of riches; Sainsbury’s, who have made lots of money this year, should follow suit and give staff a well-earned break with their families.
“They should also put in place measures to ensure staff working until after midnight in the run up to Christmas can get home safely.”
“Sainsbury’s should embrace the Christmas spirit by recognising their staff have worked hard throughout the pandemic, on top of working extra hours over the festive period, and give them Boxing Day off.”
Sainsbury’s released a statement that read: “Our colleagues do a fantastic job and have worked incredibly hard this year,”
“We are doing everything we can to give our colleagues Boxing Day off where they have asked for it and we will be reducing our opening hours for Boxing Day from 10am to 5pm for all our Sainsbury’s supermarkets and Argos stores.