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Increase in people working Christmas day, union claim

The number of people working on Christmas day has increased considerably, suggests research from the TUC.

Analysis of data by the union found the number of people working on Christmas way rose by 78% between 2004 and 2010, the most recent year from which figures were available.

NHS and social care workers make up the majority of 25th workers, as well as hospitality workers. Over 14,000 were working in hotels, pubs and restaurants two years ago, with a similar number in local shops and garages.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: “There has been a significant increase in the number of people working on Christmas Day in recent years, reflecting the changing nature of the way we live our lives.

“We should all spare a thought for the people next Tuesday who will be hard at work while we’re opening our presents, messing about with our new gadgets, tucking into our turkey dinners, sipping a glass of sherry and relaxing with our families.

“Unions have worked hard to make sure that the UK’s Christmas Day employees get premium rates, earning double or even triple their normal pay. But whether it be the emergency services, those in the health service, call centre workers, people working in petrol stations or in hotels and restaurants, let’s remember all those whose work helps keep the country ticking over while the rest of us are enjoying ourselves.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .