Marks & Spencer to require Boxing Day work in 2025

Marks & Spencer will require staff to work on Boxing Day 2025 for the first time in five years, the retailer said, as it moves away from an automatic holiday policy and asks all employees to cover at least one of December 26, 27 or 28 to ensure stores are fully stocked for the post-Christmas period. The change affects shop and depot colleagues across the United Kingdom and is intended to shore up staffing levels ahead of the busy return-to-store day on December 27.

The retailer said the decision follows shortfalls in coverage last year, when more than 40 permanent staff and 30 seasonal employees did not work on a peak day, leaving some stores short-handed for restocking and customer service. Operations director Jayne Wall said Christmas is "very special" at the company and that the retailer is "grateful to our hardworking colleagues," adding that while some colleagues have traditionally worked Boxing Day, "this year we will have more colleagues working than previously so we are in great shape to welcome customers on 27 December."

Under the new schedule large stores will remain closed on Boxing Day, but most colleagues will not be guaranteed the day off. Staff will be expected to...