All the shops and supermarkets staying shut on Boxing…

All the shops and supermarkets staying shut on Boxing Day as Asda closes 631 stores

Asda has announced plans to stay shut on Boxing Day after one of the most challenging years on record for supermarket and frontline staff.

The chain's chief executive, Roger Burnley, said workers have done an "incredible job" this year as he confirmed all 631 branches will remain shut on December 26.

The grocer said the decision was in response to the government's coronavirus guidelines, which mean households will only be able to meet between 23 and 27 December.

"This is of course our busiest time of year," Burnley said.

Waitrose stores won't reopen until December 27 (Getty Images)

"But it was important for us to give as many of you as possible the opportunity to spend this time with those loved ones that you may not have seen for many months so, uniquely for this year, we will not reopen our stores until 27 December."

Waitrose, John Lewis, Aldi, Wickes, Home Bargains, Homebase, Pets at Home and The Entertainer have also announced they will remain shut - even though this is normally when Boxing Day sales begin in earnest.

Poundland announced the decision to close in April, after giving staff an extra week's leave as a 'thank you'.

Union representatives have long been calling for retailers to give their staff "the longest possible break over the festive season".

Usdaw general secretary, Paddy Lillis, said: "When the country faced a crisis unlike any in our lifetime, shopworkers stepped up and kept essential services running.

"They continued to work and faced increased levels of violence and abuse, as well as being worried about catching COVID-19."

Sainsbury's said workers will be called in - however with slightly reduced hours (NurPhoto via Getty Images)

GMB described the announcement as a "step in the right direction", but national officer Roger Jenkins added: "It's a shame that this is not extra holiday - workers will have to book a day of their annual leave entitlement."

It came as big four rival Sainsbury's announced it will open on Boxing Day - however with slightly reduced opening hours.

"I'm a Sainsbury's worker 22 years and we have never had a Christmas to spend with our family," one employee told The Mirror.

Get the latest money advice, news and help straight to your inbox - sign up at mirror.co.uk/email

"Two days at most. It's always money before wellbeing."

Another employee told us she's been asked to work her full shift to help replenish stock ahead of trading, despite opening hours reduced to 10am to 5pm.

Marks & Spencer had been planning to open more than 200 of its stores on Boxing Day, but later U-turned in light of the Christmas circuit break.

At the time, M&S chief executive Steve Rowe said: "This Christmas, the celebrations we have will be more precious than ever."

He said that closing on Boxing Day was "a big decision, but it is absolutely the right one given the incredible effort everyone has made in the most challenging of circumstances".

More than a million people are expected to work on Christmas Day this year, despite ongoing tiered restrictions, with doctors, nurses and postal staff amongst those that will be called in for shifts.

However, you may be entitled to extra pay or time in lieu for the hours worked.

See our guide on double pay over Christmas, here.