THE NIGHT SHIFT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

DOZENS of Tesco workers have been told to stay in work until 10pm on Christmas Eve – despite their stores closing four hours earlier.

Workers at Tesco Extra stores in Longton and Stafford had thought they would knock off for Christmas just after 6pm on December 24.

But they have been told to stay until 10pm, or face disciplinary action for breaching their contracts.

Now talks are taking place between Tesco and shopworkers' union Usdaw to try to release the workers earlier.

Tesco officials are regarding Christmas Eve as a normal working day and say the staff are needed to stock the shelves ready for it to reopen on Boxing Day.

Smaller Tesco stores in Crewe, Kidsgrove, Meir Park, Trent Vale, Hanley and Congleton also shut at 6pm, but do not reopen until December 27, so staff can leave straight away.

One Tesco Extra worker said: "Because we are open on Boxing Day, we've got to have all the staff in to get ready for Boxing Day. It's caused uproar in the store.

"People have said they are not happy with it and they are not going to work until 10pm, but we've been told we've got to do this.

"Staff want to spend time with their families on Christmas Eve."

About 180 of the 1,200 staff working at the Longton and Stafford stores are affected by the rule.

Another worker said: "The staff are understandably not happy. No-one wants to be working until 10pm on Christmas Eve."

Usdaw today urged Tesco to rethink its arrangements.

National officer Pauline Foulkes said: "It has been common for many stores to allow staff to come in earlier on Christmas Eve, so they can finish earlier.

"Usdaw is urging Tesco to maintain such arrangements and look at other ways of staffing stores, so shopworkers can also enjoy time off with their family and friends at this time of year."

A Tesco official said the issue had arisen because the two stores were opening on Boxing Day for the first time.

He said: "It's important to note working on Christmas Eve isn't overtime. They are working their contracted hours.

"Every single member of staff will have their own circumstances and they can speak to their store manager.

"No extra money will be paid as Christmas Eve is not a bank holiday."

Staff at Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury's stores in North Staffordshire and South Cheshire have been told they can leave soon after their stores close between 5pm and 6pm on Christmas Eve.

Co-op stores close at 8pm and staff can finish straight after.