Tesco has found itself in hot water with furious shoppers over a 'disgraceful' decision to remain open on Boxing Day.
While retailers like Home Bargains, Aldi, ASDA, Home Bargains and M&S have all decided to close on Boxing Day to give staff a 'well-earned break', Tesco announced it will be opening hundreds of stores across the UK.
Some shoppers will be happy to see Tesco supermarkets open - but many others have been left furious and have taken to Twitter to make their feelings known.
Many are calling for a ban on Boxing Day shifts in supermarkets, the Manchester Evening News reports. However, Tesco insists all staff work voluntarily on Boxing Day.
@jem870 tweeted: "So instead of my partner being able to see his kids on boxing day he's working at a Tesco warehouse who don't even stock food or essential items, so how is this needed?"
@helen63lambert added: "I am so disappointed in Tesco.
"They are opening Boxing Day instead of giving their staff a much needed break to really enjoy Christmas with their families.
"Typical greedy Tesco!!"
@hewitson10 wrote: "Just got back from the Christmas shop at Tesco & the woman on the till was saying how crap Tesco are not following suit of other supermarkets like Iceland , Sainsbury's & Morrisons giving staff a day off on Boxing Day!
"Shame on you @Tesco. Pathetic after the year staff have had."
@KtLeeArrowsmith posted: "Lad at Tesco checkout told me he’s working Boxing Day.
"Seems @Tesco and @sainsburys treat their staff differently over the festive season."
@ECP741 slammed: " @Tesco shame on you for not giving your staff boxing day off like all the other supermarkets. Disgraceful."
A spokesperson told Manchester Evening News: "Many of our customers rely on visiting their local stores on Boxing Day so our stores will be open and our colleagues will be working on a voluntary basis."
Tesco added that all store colleagues will be able to take at least a three-day break at Christmas or New Year.
Colleagues who don’t want to work on Boxing Day will not have to, and colleagues who choose to work on Boxing Day will be paid a premium hourly rate.
