Morrisons has confirmed it will close all UK stores this Boxing Day to thank staff for their hard work during the coronavirus pandemic.
None of the supermarket giant’s 497 UK stores will open on December 26.
This means Morrisons stores will close on Christmas Eve and won’t reopen again until December 27, reports The Mirror.
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Morrisons said the break will allow its workers to “enjoy a two day weekend break with family, friends and other loved ones”.
The retailer kept its stores open on Boxing Day last year, but it was voluntary for staff to work and those who did got double pay.
A Morrisons spokesperson said: “We know everyone at Morrisons has worked incredibly hard over the last 18 months and continues to do so.
“Together we’ve responded to the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic, serving our customers and local communities, and caring so much for each other.
"We’ve been listening hard to colleagues about how best to say Thank You, and are really pleased to confirm that this year we will be closing all our supermarkets on Boxing Day, so as many of our key workers as possible can enjoy a two day weekend break with family, friends and other loved ones."
The move has been praised by retail workers' union Usdaw who urged other shops to give their staff a break over the Christmas season.
Joanne McGuiness, Usdaw National Officer, added: “The last year-and-a-half has been unlike any other.
"The pandemic meant shop workers stepped up and kept essential services running.
"We welcome Morrisons doing the right thing by their staff with the closure of supermarkets on Boxing Day."
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