Usdaw has amplified its call for broader Boxing Day retail closures by highlighting Poundland’s decision to close over 800 stores, setting a notable precedent in the retail industry.
- Poundland, aligning with John Lewis, Waitrose, and Home Bargains, opts for Boxing Day and New Year’s closures to provide staff with a break, responding to long-standing union demands.
- Bally Auluk from Usdaw commends Poundland for its decision, reiterating the importance of substantial holiday breaks for retail workers during the festive season.
- Usdaw’s position is clear: shops should only operate with voluntary staff on key holidays, pushing for industry-wide adoption of similar closure practices.
- Poundland’s recent recruitment of over 1,000 seasonal workers is part of a strategic approach to balance retail demands and staff welfare during the holiday season.
Usdaw has accentuated its call for an industry-wide recognition of retail closure during Boxing Day, using Poundland’s recent decision to cease operations on both Boxing Day and New Year’s Day as a catalyst. This move by the discount retailer, which has been echoed by John Lewis, Waitrose, and Home Bargains, is aimed at allowing their employees a well-deserved rest—a demand Usdaw has long championed.
Poundland has confirmed that all its over 800 stores will be closed, following a tradition of previous years and supporting the retail workers’ unions call for longer festive breaks. Usdaw national officer, Bally Auluk, articulated this sentiment by stating, “We very much welcome the company again closing all their stores on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, to give their staff a proper break over the festive season.” Auluk further expressed the desire for other retailers to adopt similar measures, emphasising the union’s view that working during these significant holidays should be strictly on a volunteer basis.
The closure aligns with Poundland’s broader strategy, which includes a robust seasonal hiring spree to ensure that existing employees are not overburdened during peak trading periods. Simon Wells, Poundland’s people director, recognised the hard work and dedication of their teams, particularly during Christmas, and expressed delight in providing a well-earned rest once the festive rush subsides.
This development comes on the heels of Poundland’s recruitment drive aimed at bringing in over 1,000 temporary staff across its UK and Ireland stores. Such measures highlight a balanced approach between meeting increased consumer demand and prioritising employee welfare—a sentiment echoed by workers and their representatives alike.
Usdaw remains adamant about the cultural and personal significance of the festive season, asserting that retail workers should be granted the opportunity to enjoy this period, undisturbed by their professional obligations, reinforcing the union’s overarching campaign for industry-wide holiday closures.
The move towards Boxing Day closures marks a significant shift in retail practices, balancing employee welfare with operational demands.
