Morrisons is led by David Potts
(Picture: PA Media)Morrisons, the supermarket chain and takeover target, will shut stores on Boxing Day this year as a thank you to staff for their hard work during the pandemic.
The FTSE 250 company, which is led by David Potts, normally has branches open on December 26.
A spokesman for Morrisons said: "Everyone at Morrisons has worked incredibly hard over the last 18 months as we’ve responded to the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic, serving our customers and local communities. So this year we’re taking the exceptional step of closing all our supermarkets on Boxing Day, so as many colleagues as possible can enjoy a two day weekend break with family and friends."
The grocer, which is at the centre of a takeover battle, made the announcement to staff this week.
The move was welcomed by Usdaw, and the union’s 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. We welcome Morrisons doing the right thing by their staff with the closure of supermarkets on Boxing Day.”
McGuiness added: “Key workers have done so much this year and we are asking retailers to give their staff the longest possible break over the festive season to provide them with a well-deserved breather. We don’t think this is too much to ask for.”
Last year companies including Marks & Spencer closed stores on Boxing Day, typically a popular trading time as bargain hunters enjoy post-Christmas Day sales.
