Obviously not. I used to work in Harvey Norman before leaving the country and Stephens’ day was one of the best days to work if you didn’t have one too many on Christmas. You could make a killing with commission and overtime. Until there isn’t such a huge demand shops will still open.

Jason, that doesn’t mean it’s necessary. Personally I think it’s an absolute joke… Having shops closed until the 27th would-be a great idea, people are still going to shop regardless of the day the sales begin.

Well retailers wouldn’t see it necessary to open and pay their staff overtime if there wouldn’t be a financial reward. It’s all about maxing out a retailers end of year figures. One more day means more footfall, more revenue and your store looks just that little bit better. If there wasn’t a demand it wouldn’t happen, so clearly to them it is necessary.

How is it unfair? If you work in retail you have to be prepared to work unsociable hours. It’s part of the job. It’s something you know might happen when you take a job.

The people you should be blaming is the people who shop in those days. If there was no demand they’d be closed. The business is trying to make money.

There are 7 days in a week. Plenty of time to spend time with friends or family. It’s not up to businesses to plan around your life.

theres also very good overtime on stephens day which is motivation for some

Spare a thought for the people working Christmas Day instead maybe? I’m sure they would also love to spend time with their families and friends.

So staff in other jobs should get the time off but not retail staff because you should be prepared to work unsociable hours when you start in the job? I agree with that in the run up to Christmas but surely people have done enough shopping by now that it wouldn’t hurt them to wait another day before shopping.

I feel very sad for your empty life if the best thing you can think of doing on Stephen’s Day is to go online and tell other people how they should act and think.

Thats the job you chose. Deal with it. Spent many years in the hospitality trade. These hours come with the job. Don’t like it do something else. Sorry for being blunt . Merry Christmas.

Yeah because we can all just walk into any job we like this day and age

You should be on public holiday rate for the 26th. (Working time act 1997)

Say that to the barmen serving you a pint on the 26th.

Totally agree!! My mam works in Next, se has to be in work for 5.30 am on Stephens morning, which means she doesn’t even get to enjoy her Christmas Day. People would still buy the stuff if the shop opened later in the day or even on the 27th. Greedy retailers!