Bosses at Asda have announced stores will stay closed on Boxing Day to give frontline staff a much-needed break.
They will also receive a bonus, with all eligible hourly-paid members of staff due to get a guaranteed 100% bonus, which will be paid in February 2021.
Staff that were contracted to work on Boxing Day will receive full pay, with the head of the Leeds based supermarket chain recognising the hard work put in by employees from all 631 of the chain's branches.
As reported by the Yorkshire Post, CEO Roger Burnley told colleagues: "This has been a challenging year and you have all done an incredible job, continuing to serve our customers and communities while juggling so many other commitments.
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"But it's also been challenging from a personal perspective as we have not been able to spend time with our families and friends, which has been hard for us all.
"As you know, the strict guidelines set out by the government will change between 23rd and 27th December and more households will be able to gather together.
"This is of course our busiest time of year but it was important for us to give as many of you as possible the opportunity to spend this time with those loved ones that you may not have not seen for many months so, uniquely for this year, we will not reopen our stores until December 27th."
Asda paid staff a 'thank you' payment in June for their hard work throughout the coronavirus pandemic. During lockdown, the firm also shielded vulnerable colleagues on full pay, without having to furlough anyone.
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Similarly, Marks and Spencer announced that it will do the same back in November.
Steve Rowe, CEO of M&S, recognised that staff deserve time off to see their family while coronavirus restrictions are lifted over Christmas.
In a statement, he said: "Throughout the pandemic, our colleagues have gone above and beyond to deliver for our customers and as we enter the busy festive season they are doubling down on their efforts once again to help our customers deliver the Christmas magic for their families and friends.
"2020 has been a uniquely challenging year for everyone and this Christmas, the celebrations we have will be more precious than ever.
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"That's why in the run up to Christmas we are opening longer hours and have accelerated the launch of new digital services such as Sparks Book & Shop to help our customers prepare, but it's also why we have taken the decision to close our operations on Boxing Day so that our colleagues can enjoy more special time with their loved ones.
"This is a big decision, but it is absolutely the right one given the incredible effort everyone has made in the most challenging of circumstances."
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