A CAMPAIGN to stop shops from opening on Christmas day has been given the full support of a Bolton MP.

Shopworkers have no legal right to a holiday on Christmas Day and face spending it behind a till if retailers decide to open their doors.

It is hoped the Christmas Day Campaign, which has gone to the House of Lords with the Christmas Day Trading Bill, will outlaw supermarkets, department stores and other large retail outlets opening if it is given the green light in the House of Commons.

Brian Iddon, Labour MP for Bolton South East is backing Usdaw, the shopworkers union, in their bid to ensure that Christmas Day is a guaranteed day of rest for all retail staff.

He said: "Even Scrooge let his staff have Christmas Day off, although he did make them work late on Christmas Eve. This is the situation that most shopworkers find themselves in, but more and more they are facing the prospect of not being allowed to take time off on Christmas Day.

"I was shocked to learn the extent of Christmas Day opening that occurred last year and I am very worried that more retailers will be considering opening this year.

"Christmas Day is very special and should remain so. It is a time for families and it is important that parents should be with their children to enjoy the festivities. The Christmas period is a very busy time for shopworkers, with the pre Christmas present buying and the after Christmas sales. I think they deserve at least one day off."

"I have signed the Early Day Motion supporting the campaign and I am looking forward to the Christmas Day Trading Bill coming to the House of Commons and I will give my full support".

Bill Connor, General Secretary of Usdaw said he was delighted to have the support of Brian Iddon.

He said: "More and more Usdaw members are being told they have to come into work on Christmas Day.

"The festive period is the busiest in the retail calendar, with most companies denying staff time off in the run-up to Christmas. And then as early as Boxing Day, department stores plunge into the winter sales.

"It is essential, therefore, that exhausted shopworkers should be guaranteed at least one days break.

"It is bad enough being forced to abandon one's family on Christmas Day, but we also have to consider the very important issue of how staff get to work. Public transport is almost non-existent on Christmas Day and many retail workers don't own cars."

"Usdaw is running this campaign with a view to getting a change in law to protect Christmas Day."