Marks and Spencer has modified its policies for working on Boxing Day, affecting a significant number of employees. According to internal documents viewed by the Guardian, all staff are now required to work on one of the days from December 26 to 28. In previous years, the company relied on volunteers for Boxing Day shifts.
Approximately a quarter of store employees will now work exclusively on Boxing Day, as reported by the Guardian. Workers who prefer not to work on that day must use a holiday day. While the larger Marks and Spencer stores will be closed on Boxing Day, the retailer intends to have more staff present to prepare for reopening on December 27.
It has been revealed that over 40% of permanent staff and 30% of seasonal employees did not work during peak days. The Guardian notes that employees must also be available to work on December 22, 23, and 24 in the lead-up to Christmas.
Jayne Wall, M&S’s operations director, expressed gratitude for the efforts of colleagues during the holiday season, emphasizing the importance of having sufficient staff to welcome customers after Christmas. Marks and Spencer began keeping its stores closed on Boxing Day in 2020 to acknowledge the dedication of its staff during the pandemic.
The adjustments to the working schedule were implemented prior to a cyber attack in April, which is projected to cost the company around £300 million. The attack disrupted M&S’s IT systems, affecting payments and click-and-collect services. Customer data, including personal information, was compromised, although there is no evidence of data sharing.
Customers are advised to be cautious if contacted by individuals claiming to represent M&S. Jayne Wall reassured shoppers that sensitive data like payment details and account passwords were not included in the breach.
