Can you refuse to work on Boxing Day?

Oldernotwiser

kelloggs36 wrote: »

I just don't understand why they feel the need to open on Boxing day - can't people cope with the shops being closed for more than 1 day? Pure corporate greed is all that it is. We need to have more time where work is at the back of our minds, not be pressured into giving up time over Christmas for some already rich people to make even more money. Nothing in terms of what a supermarket offers can be so important that it can't wait for another day!!!

I totally agree with you but it seems that some people are just unable to go without their retail "fix".

surreysaver

Mrs_Ryan wrote: »

As far as I know, the only 2 days your employer cannot force you to work are Christmas Day and Good Friday.

Oh yeah? What law is that, then?

dmg24

surreysaver wrote: »

Oh yeah? What law is that, then?

I believe that would be a well known piece of statute, The Law According to Google.

duchy

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Good Friday isn't even a Bank Holiday!

Yes it is a bank holiday

Mrs_Ryan

Whether its still the case, I dont know. It used to be... allegedly.

And its not the law according to Google... its the law according to mum But I imagine that you could opt out of these 2 days on religious grounds if you were religious - I knew someone where I used to work who refused to work Sundays as her religion frowned on it. I worked last Christmas Day (Im Catholic) but I think one of the managers said he didnt want to work Christmas Day due to his religion and they had to take that into account.

kelloggs36

I could make up my own religion and state that it is against it to work on any bank holiday! My religion is that of worshipping the family more and the shops less!

Oldernotwiser

duchy wrote: »

Yes it is a bank holiday

No, it's a Public Holiday, not a Bank Holiday, which is also true of Christmas Day. As these were religious holidays they weren't covered by the Bank Holiday Act.

Roobarb73

Are they paying extra for it?

When I was a student I used to work in Debenhams and I used to volunteer to work 26th Dec, 2nd Jan and all the bank holidays as they paid double time. So it may be if they ask for volunteers they won't need her to work!

Other than that, I agree it depends on what her contract says about holidays and public holidays. Some industries don't recognise public holidays at all eg hotels, care homes, not sure about supermarkets, and there's no obligation to do so

surreysaver

N20Y1D wrote: »

I just wondered if she can refuse to work or not?

You have the right to withdraw your labour, so can refuse to work any day. Just don't expect it not to be punished!

DaisyNelson

As far as I know, the only 2 days your employer cannot force you to work are Christmas Day and Good Friday

Good job we don't need the emergency services on those days then, if everyone is going to take the time off.:rolleyes: