Number of Christmas Day workers in South West soars
The number of people in the South West working on Christmas Day has risen by 78% in six years.
The TUC says that is urging all those able to celebrate at home with family and friends to spare a thought for the tens of thousands for whom it is just another working day.
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In 2010, the last year for which figures are available, almost 172,000 people (87,000 men and 84,000 women) were in work on Christmas Day, compared with 96,000 in 2004.
Just over 87,000 women and 84,000 men were working on December 25, 2010.
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The number of female employees working was 70% higher than in 2004 and the number of male workers working on Christmas Day was 88% higher than in 2004.
NHS and social care workers are likely to make up the largest group, with nearly 75,000 at work in 2010 compared to 47,000 in 2004.
As well as hospitals asking more staff to work during the festive period, more than 14,000 people worked in hotels, pubs and restaurants on Christmas Day two years ago, with a similar number working in shops and garages.
Nigel Costley, regional secretary of the South West TUC, said: "There has been a significant increase in the number of people working on Christmas Day in recent years, reflecting the changing nature of the way we live our lives.
"We should all spare a thought for the people who will be hard at work while we're opening our presents, messing about with our new gadgets, tucking into our turkey dinners, sipping a glass of sherry and relaxing with our families.
"Unions have worked hard to make sure the UK's Christmas Day employees get premium rates. But let's remember all those whose work helps keep the country ticking over while the rest of us are enjoying ourselves."
Comments
by Truro_England
Wednesday, December 19 2012, 1:03PM
“Sorry i'm missing the point in ths article...
These workers know they would be working on this day when they accepted the job, what about people who work on sundays or do night shifts throughout the year?
Arnt we forgetting the real meaning of christmas 'the birth of father christmas' not someone that might of never existed!”
by maddogwoman
Tuesday, December 18 2012, 7:29PM
“Coming from a farming family I've always worked Christmas and New Year. Every day is the same when you care for animals!! Although I remember one particular christmas, as we had a calf born on christmas day, that is the true meaning of christmas!!”
by spindleshanks
Tuesday, December 18 2012, 5:38PM
“Think she knew she was loved and appreciated and I can't help feeling she has a little chuckle every Xmas from up above watching the entire family trying to get even close to matching her superb cooking. My father didn't even know how to use a microwave oven - not kidding. Caught him defrosting food that was put in the freezer from four years ago last Xmas! I'll be raising my glass to a very special and sorely missed lady on Xmas day.”
by lhasa27
Tuesday, December 18 2012, 4:56PM
“Ah sweet spindleshanks, but why didn't you all gather round and help her? Her paymet would have been tha se wa surrounded by a beloved ad grateful family. Hope so anyway!!”
by spindleshanks
Tuesday, December 18 2012, 4:46PM
“And some get none like my Mum when she was alive, cooking from 5.00am Xmas morning until we all sat down to eat after the Queen's speech. Don't forget mums on Xmas day!”
by lhasa27
Tuesday, December 18 2012, 4:30PM
“And lots of those workers will only get basic pay.”