Home Bargains to stay closed on Boxing Day to give hard-working staff a rest
DOORS at Home Bargain stores nationwide will stay shut once again on Boxing Day as the discount retailer gives its 22,000 staff an extra day off.
This is the second year in a row that the chain has shut on December 26 so staff “are able to enjoy the Christmas break”.
And, the day off isn’t taken out of staff’s holiday allowance, meaning staff will still get paid while they spend time with their family.
Full-time employees at Home Bargains currently get the national legal minimum of 28 days holiday, which includes the eight UK bank holidays.
So, workers at Home Bargains will be able to get 29 days of paid leave this year, provided they take their full holiday entitlement.
And, full-time workers who’ve been at the company over five years get an extra four days on top of that, bringing their total paid leave entitlement to 34 days, including Boxing Day.
Home Bargains stores will remain open on Christmas Eve and will close for Christmas Day and Boxing Day, reopening on December 27.
Boxing Day is one of the biggest shopping days of the year, so Home Bargains is taking a business risk by choosing to stay shut.
This isn't the first year that the chain has put its staff first - its shops stayed shut nationwide on Boxing Day last year too.
In a post on Twitter and Instagram, Home Bargains wrote: “To all our staff: Thank you for all your hard work once again this year.
All our stores will be closed on Boxing Day to ensure you are able to spend time with your friends and family.”
The post also thanked customers for their “understanding and support”.
Many shoppers were in support of the decision, with some calling on other stores to follow suit.
One person wrote on Twitter: “I take my hat off to you Home Bargains, all the other stores should take a leaf out of your book!! @asda @Tesco @Morrisons @bmstores @marksandspencer etc etc.”
Another said: “Love this, well done for giving your staff the opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones.”
Home Bargains has over 500 stores across the UK and employs around 22,000 people.
You can using its store finder.
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And, it is also stocking a glittery snow fairy gin perfect for Christmas cocktails.
If there's no snow on Boxing Day, staff can still enjoy their extra day off with some indoor snowballs that don't melt.