Marks and Spencer has adjusted its policy for working on Boxing Day, affecting a significant number of employees. According to internal documents obtained by the Guardian, all staff members are now required to work on one of the days between December 26, 27, or 28. This marks a departure from the past five years when M&S sought volunteers for Boxing Day shifts.
Under the new rules, approximately 25% of store personnel will be scheduled to work solely on Boxing Day. Employees who prefer not to work on that day will need to take it as a holiday. While the larger M&S stores will remain closed on Boxing Day, the company aims to have more staff present to prepare for reopening on December 27.
Reports indicate that over 40% of permanent and 30% of seasonal M&S workers did not work on peak days in the past. Additionally, staff members are expected to be available to work on December 22, 23, and 24 in the lead-up to Christmas.
Jayne Wall, M&S’s operations director, expressed gratitude for the dedication of the employees during the Christmas season. She highlighted the increased workforce presence on Boxing Day this year to ensure a smooth reopening on December 27.
M&S made the decision to keep its stores closed on Boxing Day in 2020 as a gesture of appreciation for the staff’s efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic. The recent changes were implemented before a cyber attack in April, which is projected to cost the company around £300 million.
Following the cyber attack, shoppers are advised to be cautious if contacted by individuals claiming to represent M&S. Jayne Wall reassured customers that there is no evidence of shared data, and the compromised information does not include usable payment details or account passwords.