HC Deb 11 December 2003 vol 415 cc1188-9
12. Mr. Ken Purchase (Wolverhampton, North-East) (Lab)

What action she is taking to ensure that retail workers in large stores are not forced to work on Christmas day. [143330]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (Mr. Gerry Sutcliffe)

The Government are considering legislation and it is hoped that it can be introduced as soon as parliamentary time permits.

Mr. Purchase

But does the Under-Secretary understand that the pressures to which workers are subject are often not perceived because they are different from a direct threat? There is an implied threat, especially to junior managers and supervisory staff, that their promotion chances may be diminished unless they continue to supervise and manage at Christmas. When we defended workers from having to work every Sunday, we would say, "Aren't workers entitled to one day a week?" We have now retreated so far on workers' rights that we ask, "Aren't they entitled to one day a year?"

Mr. Sutcliffe

If my hon. Friend considers the employment rights measures that the Government have introduced since 1997—it would take too long to go through every one—he will recognise the benefits to working people of a Labour Government. For example, there is an entitlement to four weeks paid holiday a year.

Mr. Purchase

What about Sundays and Christmas day?

Mr. Sutcliffe

My hon. Friend chides me from a sedentary position and wants me to do all sorts of things. I shall ensure that we work with the industry and trade unions to make sure that a measure is passed as quickly as possible to give people the opportunity to have Christmas day off.