Iceland joins the flood of stores giving staff more time off at Christmas

The store’s managing director Richard Walker said on BBC’s Question Time last night (23 September) that Iceland would be joining a number of other big retailers in giving staff the day off.

Responding to an audience question from a retail manager, Walker said: “You haven’t had the option to work from home, unlike most industries, and you’re right, it’s a very tough job that is getting tougher.”

Iceland joins Aldi, Home Bargains, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, Poundland, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose among many chains which have decided to have stay shut on more days this festive period.

The moves has been welcomed by retail trade union Usdaw (Union of shop, distributive and allied workers), which believes shop staff deserve the extra days off.

Dave Gill, Usdaw’s national officer, said: “We don’t think it is too much to ask to give shopworkers the longest possible break over Christmas and New Year.

“We now hope that other retailers will follow suit, by closing their stores to help workers enjoy the festive season and give them a well-deserved breather.”