16-19_ARENA_AUTUMN2015.qxd_Arena_A5 10/08/2015 11:43 Page 2 • FESTIVE WORKING • KNOW YOUR RIGHTS • FESTIVE WORKING • K Give us a break at Christmas Open all hours? Q fo ribution face added kers in retail and dist Wor up to Xmas pressures in the run- w llo us @U sda w U n i o n Will all shops be closed on Christmas Day? The Christmas Day (Trading) Act prevents large shops, except for small convenience stores, from trading on 25 December. Although the legislation allows small convenience stores to trade, Usdaw is urging retailers not to open any stores on Christmas Day. No rest for the workers Q Is working on a public holiday voluntary? For some workers, working on a designated public holiday is voluntary. For others, working on some or all public holidays is part of their contract. The position on whether working on a public holiday is voluntary is usually explained in your contract, the staff handbook or outlined in agreements between the employer and the trade union. Festive bonus plea Q Does working on a public holiday attract premium payments? There is no automatic right to enhanced pay if you work on a public/bank holiday. The pay rate for working these days depends on your contract of employment and any union/company agreements. The pay rates for working on a public/bank holiday are usually explained in the staff handbook or in other communications to staff. 16 arena tract is Your con ur rights key to yo as at Christm