// Sainsbury’s told employees to use their annual leave on Christmas Day
// Stores remain closed on December 25
// Staff have been told they will be given unpaid leave if they don’t use their holiday allowance on Christmas Day
Sainsbury’s has reportedly told employees to use their annual leave on Christmas Day despite all stores being closed.
The Big 4 grocer said employees who don’t use their holiday allowance on December 25 will be given unpaid leave, The Mirror reported.
Sainsbury’s is already facing criticism for its decision to trade on Boxing Day, while other retailers across the UK announced plans to close on Boxing Day to give staff time with friends and family.
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One Sainsbury’s Local store employee said December 25 is the only day in the year that his branch is closed – yet workers will have to request it off using their holiday allowance.
Other employees have accused the grocer of prioritising “money over wellbeing”.
However, Sainsbury’s responded by saying that the policy has been in place for “several years”.
The company said all colleagues are given a holiday allowance that takes into account public holidays.
Sainsbury’s stores will operate reduced hours from 10am to 5pm on Boxing Day, but supermarkets will be open from 6am until midnight in the run up to December 23.
Despite shorter opening hours, one employee said staff are still required to work full shifts.
The employee accused the chain of cashing in on the hospitality curfew.
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