The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw) has been successful in its campaign to ensure large stores do not open on Christmas Day.

The Christmas Day (Trading) Bill passed its final Commons stage last Friday. The new regulations prevent shops of more than 280 square meters from opening on December 25.

Currently stores only have to close when Christmas Day falls on a Sunday

Usdaw General Secretary John Hannett said: “This new legislation will be greeted with a huge sigh of relief by millions of retail staff, who in the recent past were worried some retailers were looking to open on December 25.

“Our members can now rest assured they will be able to enjoy Christmas Day with their families and friends and take a well-earned rest after the hectic pre-Christmas rush.”

The union hailed the new bill as an ‘historic milestone.’