NEWS RELEASE
STUC calls on Scottish Executive to support Bill to ban Christmas and New Year's Day opening.
The STUC hopes that the Private Members Bill tabled by Karen Whitefield MSP to prevent larger stores opening on Christmas Day and New Years Day will be given debating time by the Scottish Executive in 2004.
The Bill which is supported by the shop workers union, USDAW, and by the supermarket chain Scotmid would "nip in the bud" the trend towards Christmas Day opening among some supermarket chains and mirror legislation proposed by the Department of Trade and Industry for England and Wales.
Tracey White, assistant secretary at the STUC said:
"The STUC is committed to maintaining Christmas Day and New Year's Day holidays where all but those providing essential services are able to relax at home with their families.
"Although only a small proportion of retail outlets are currently opening over this period, the trend is growing and it is important to nip it in the bud now.
"Finding legislative time for Karen Whitefield's Bill would send the very positive message to workers in the retail sector that their holiday time and family life is important too."