Sainsbury’s has become the latest of the Island’s supermarket giants to announce that its staff will be given the day off on Boxing Day.
The supermarket chain has announced the move to keep its supermarket, convenience stores, and petrol filling stations closed on the 26th December as a way of saying thanks to its staff who have worked exceptionally hard this year.
Isle of Wight Sainsbury’s staff join those working for Waitrose, Morrisons, and Marks & Spencer who have also decided to keep stores closed.
Simon Roberts, chief executive of Sainsbury’s, said:
“Christmas is a really special time for so many, but because of lockdown restrictions last year, lots of us weren’t able to celebrate in the way we wanted.
“In recognition of this and to say a massive thank you to all our colleagues for everything they have done during the last challenging year, we will be closing all of our supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol filling stations, as well as Argos and Habitat stores, this Boxing Day.
“I want to thank our customers in advance for their understanding, which will mean as many of our team as possible can have a well-deserved break to spend time with loved ones.”
What good news for a change.
Yes it’s a major change, at least the poor workers get 2 days off over Christmas. Wonder how many days the council workers get off over Christmas, anyone know?
Probably about 10 days if they take a day or two flexible working hours to cover Christmas New Year and the weekend in between!
The Council the same as other offices. Close of business end of day on Christmas Eve, closed Mon & Tues as Bank Holidays as Christmas and Boxing Day on a weekend. Open Weds, Thurs, Fri and closed following Monday as NY Day at weekend. Take 3 days leave if you can on Weds to Friday then yes, a nice long break – just as those at banks, solicitors, estate agents, surveyors and most offices can/will do. But many care workers/health workers/emergency staff etc will not have that option. Nice for shop workers but as aforementioned is it merely a ‘business decision’ as opposed to generosity?
And what do they expect a medal?????
Never understood why staff only got Xmas day off anyway…..
Surely you have enough time to prepare for a 2 day closure….
And probably enough food for at least a week……
So I am sure most customers will be happy that they can enjoy a break…
I am ….
Well said!! Showing my age here but I remember when it was the norm to shut shops etc over Christmas. Why people think they cannot survive a day or two without shopping is beyond me!! And surely COVID shutdowns must have re-educated people? Or possibly not!!
Why should a minority religion dictate when I can go to the shops? Buying presents you can’t afford for your kids does not make a christian. Christmas is for the Christians, if I were one I would be very annoyed how it has been abused to sell products.
Fcuk off Fred….yawn.
Only because this year Christmas and boxing days fall on the weekend. So they don’t want to pay premiums for Sunday and the substitute bank holidays on Monday and Tuesday. Also probably be very quiet on a Sunday so no point opening for 6 hours. Anyone who think it’s been done as anything other than a business financial decision is mistaken. Some shops will take it off your holiday allowance so in reality your losing out somewhen else.