Marks & Spencer has told all staff that they can expect to have Boxing Day off this year.
According to the Mirror, the holiday will apply to all M&S-owned stores in the UK. It will also apply within the Republic of Ireland, at Marks & Spencer's Donington Distribution Centre and at all of its support centres.
“Up and down the country, our colleagues have been there for our customers in the most challenging of circumstances," explained M&S' Mr Rowe, when asked about the motivation behind the holiday.
“As a small thank you for their incredible hard work, we’ve taken the decision to close our operations on Boxing Day once again this year, to enable our colleagues to spend more time with their family and loved ones.”
In a separate move, M&S has said it will have extended opening hours at more stores before Christmas this year.
The majority of branches will open at 6am and close at midnight from December 20-23. A 'selected number' of stores will also be open until 8pm on Christmas Eve.
Last month, retail workers' union Usdaw urged shops to give their staff a break over the Christmas season.
Usdaw National Officer Joanne McGuiness said: "The last year-and-a-half has been unlike any other.
"The pandemic meant shopworkers stepped up and kept essential services running."
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