Asda closed on Boxing Day 2020: Why it’s closing, and if other supermarkets are open after Christmas

While Boxing Day should be a time for staying in your pyjamas, eating chocolate and catching up on the best Christmas TV, for many it is simply another day at work.

Among those who usually go straight back to the office are the many supermarket frontline employees who have worked through the coronavirus crisis.

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But some supermarkets are now choosing to give them the day off, allowing them to take advantage of the Government’s relaxation of the Covid-rules.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Is Asda closing on Boxing Day?

In an announcement shared by CEO and President Roger Burnley via email and on his Instagram account it was confirmed that all of Asda’s 631 stores will close for two days over the Christmas break.

All Asda stores will close from 7pm on Christmas Eve and reopen on 27 December but customers are advised to check their store locator page for details of their local store festive opening hours.

Why is Asda closing on Boxing Day?

Mr Burnley explained that the move is to give workers the opportunity to spend time with friends and family during the five day period of Covid restrictions being relaxed.

He said: “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.

“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 23 and 27 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 27 December.”

Will those scheduled to work get paid?

All workers who were contracted to work on Boxing Day will be paid.

Asda has also confirmed that all eligible hourly-paid colleagues are guaranteed to receive 100 per cent of their bonus entitlement this year, as a thanks for their hard work and commitment during 2020.

Asda also gave employees an extra payment in June.

Union GMB said the announcement is a “step in the right direction”, but national officer Roger Jenkins added: “It’s a shame that this is not extra holiday – workers will have to book a day of their annual leave entitlement.”

Are any other shops closing on Boxing Day?

Marks & Spencer was planning to open 200 of it stores, but also chose to close when the Government made the Christmas announcement.

Chief executive Steve Rowe said closing on Boxing Day was “a big decision, but it is absolutely the right one given the incredible effort everyone has made in the most challenging of circumstances”.

Waitrose, John Lewis, Aldi, Wickes, Home Bargains, Homebase, Pets at Home and The Entertainer will also remain shut.

Although other supermarkets have not made similar moves, pressure is now mounting for them to follow Asda’s example.

Sainsbury’s, however, has said it will be staying open, albeit with reduced hours.

A spokesperson said: “We’re recruiting more colleagues into our business than ever before so that we can give as many people as possible the time off they have asked for. This includes 12,000 temporary colleagues to support us this Christmas.

“For colleagues that have requested it, we have made sure they are able to take at least two consecutive days off over Christmas.”