Sainsbury’s will give 170,000 colleagues an extra days’ holiday this year under plans to close all branches on Boxing Day – including more than 800 Local stores and forecourts.
The chain said Argos and Habitat stores will also close in a mark of appreciation for thousands of its frontline workers.
Bosses said the grocer had worked with trade unions to make the decision in response to staff feedback and work over the past 18 months.
Simon Roberts, Sainsbury’s chief executive, said: “In recognition of this and to say a massive thank you to all our colleagues for everything they have done during the last challenging year, we will be closing all of our supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol filling stations, as well as Argos and Habitat stores, this Boxing Day.
“I want to thank our customers in advance for their understanding, which will mean as many of our team as possible can have a well-deserved break to spend time with loved ones.”
Paddy Lillis, Usdaw union general secretary, said: “After discussions with Sainsbury’s we very much welcome the company closing all their stores on Boxing Day this year, to give their staff a proper break over Christmas.
“The pandemic showed just how important shopworkers are to our society and communities, as they stepped up and kept essential services running throughout.
“Key workers have done so much this year and we don’t think it is too much to ask to give them the longest possible break over the festive season.
“We now hope that other retailers will follow Sainsbury’s lead, by closing their stores on 26 December to help workers enjoy their Christmas, give them a well-deserved breather and make Boxing Day special again,” he added.
Morrisons became the first grocer to announce a nationwide closure on December 26 for all workers.
The supermarket confirmed that none of its 497 UK stores will open on Boxing Day.
Marks & Spencer followed suit, telling 70,000 workers they will not have to work on the public holiday this year.
It will apply to all M&S-owned stores in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, its Donington Distribution Centre near Derby, and all of its support centres.
Discounter Home Bargains made a similar decision, announcing branches will also shut on New Year’s Day for the first time in its history.
