Retailers should be able to choose for themselves when to stay open during the festive season
The British Retail Consortium has criticised a law passed by Parliament last week, banning Christmas trading in the UK. The law prohibits any store measuring more than 3,015 sq ft (280 sq m) from opening on Christmas Day.

Shopworkers' union Usdaw applauded the decision, but it has been dismissed as unnecessary by the BRC.

The BRC said: 'Trading on Christmas day in most cases has proven uneconomical for the few retailers who have tried it, because it is one holiday where consumers are not particularly interested in shopping. The idea to enforce a ban on large stores opening seems unnecessary and a little heavy-handed. Retail should be viewed on a level playing field to other businesses, such as hotels and restaurants, which have no restrictions.'

Scotland is not only facing a ban on trading on Christmas Day but New Year's Day as well. The BRC warned that a ban on opening on what is one of the country's busiest tourist periods could impact on sales.

'A ban on shops opening at this important time could irreversibly harm Scotland's reputation as a tourist and retail destination,' the BRC said.

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