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Shops must close on Xmas Day - OFT

The Office of Fair Trading has issued a reminder that shops are not allowed to open on Christmas Day.

Each year the OFT receives calls from businesses checking permitted opening times over the Christmas period.

The Shops Act 2000 was introduced to give businesses more freedom in choosing their opening hours but it was recognised at the time that shop workers required protection from requests to work unreasonable hours.

The OFT says protective measures were built into the act and the requirement that all shops close throughout Christmas Day was introduced to respect the importance of the day.

It also ensures shop workers enjoy December 25 just as most other employees can.

(Picture: Shoppers in Strand Street, Douglas).


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