Marks & Spencer staff will work Boxing Day for the first time in five years, as the retailer scraps its automatic holiday policy to cut costs and boost post-Christmas operations.
Under the new rules, all employees must work at least one of 26, 27, or 28 December, and be available for shifts in the lead-up to Christmas. Internal documents show the decision was made after nearly half of permanent staff and a third of seasonal workers skipped one of the key days last year, leaving stores understocked.
Staff Reactions to Boxing Day Changes
The decision has sparked anger among workers, with some describing the move on M&S’s internal messaging boards as a “slap in the face” and “like a punishment.” Employees say the timing is especially tough after an April cyberattack that disrupted store operations for weeks.
About a quarter of store staff are expected to work specifically on Boxing Day this year. Although large M&S stores will remain closed on the bank holiday, workers are required to count the day as part of their annual leave allocation. Only a limited number will be allowed to book the day off, as the company looks to “save costs and reduce complexity.”
M&S Management Defends Policy Shift
Jayne Wall, operations director for M&S, said: “Christmas at M&S is very special and we are grateful to our hardworking colleagues who make our stores great places for our customers to shop. Like most retailers, we always have some colleagues in our stores and depots on Boxing Day to help reset. However, this year we will have more colleagues working than previously so we are in great shape to welcome customers on 27 December.”
The retailer said the move was essential to ensure shelves are restocked and operations reset ahead of the post-Christmas rush.
End of a Pandemic-Era Tradition
Since 2020, M&S had effectively given most staff Boxing Day off, citing the need to reward workers for their efforts during the Covid pandemic. The tradition covered store staff, head office employees, and those at the Castle Donington distribution centre.
Last year, M&S said it closed stores “to give our colleagues a much-deserved extended break with their family and loved ones.” Similar policies were followed by Waitrose, The Range, and John Lewis, which has long granted its staff the bank holiday. Morrisons only gave the day off in 2021, while most major retailers typically open on Boxing Day.
