The Christmas and New Year's Day Trading bill sponsored by Labour MSP Karen Whitefield also has a provision that will force big stores to close on January 1 if there is evidence that retail staff are being forced to work.
Usdaw general secretary John Hannett said: 'We're delighted this sensible bill has received Royal Assent and Usdaw members now have a legal right to enjoy Christmas dinner with their loved ones like most other workers. Our members played such a central role in lobbying their MSPs to secure a genuine victory for common sense after they told us loud and clear that they needed guaranteed time off with their families in what is already the most deregulated shopping environment in Europe.
He added: 'We remain totally opposed to big stores opening on New Year's Day. Our research shows there is no evidence whatsoever that stores not opening on that day will have a negative impact on the Scottish economy and 95 per cent of our members say it will ruin their traditional Hogmanay and New Year's Day celebrations.'
The Scottish Executive has guaranteed that if retail staff are being forced to work on New Year's Day then it will invoke tough powers to prevent these stores from opening.
Hannett added: 'Although we are pleased Christmas Day is protected, we are making it clear that Usdaw members will be on hand to report employers who coerce their employees to work on New Year's Day. If Usdaw members provide strong evidence, we would expect legalisation to be introduced to protect hard-working shop staff who are only demanding a proper work-life balance.'
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