Many M&S workers will be required to work on Boxing Day for the first time in five years, as the business ditches its offer of an automatic holiday in efforts to reduce costs.

Under the change, all staff will need to work at least one of 26, 27 and 28 December days. Staff must also be available to work all three days during the lead-up to Christmas Day.

According to an M&S document viewed by The Guardian, last year over 40% of permanent and 30% of seasonal staff members did not work during one of the peak days. 

Since this was not enough to restock stores sufficiently, “all colleagues must play their part to deliver a successful Christmas” this year.

It is thought that roughly a quarter of the company’s store employees are set to work on Boxing Day alone.

Posts on the food and fashion giant’s internal messaging board have called the new requirements “a slap in the face” and “like a punishment” following the retailer’s difficult period after the cyber-attack.

Although all of the large stores will stay shut during Boxing Day, staff have been told they will need to take the day as part of their annual holiday allowance.

Only a limited amount of staff members will be allowed to book the day off, as M&S seeks to “save costs and reduce complexity”.

The retailer has asked for volunteers to work on Boxing Day since Christmas 2020, effectively granting most of its employees the day off. Only some discount outlets and small food stores have stayed open.

M&S operations director Jayne Wall 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.”

M&S has been approached for comment. 

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