Marks and Spencer has adjusted its policies for staff working on Boxing Day, affecting a significant number of employees. According to internal documents reviewed by the Guardian, all staff members are now required to work on one of the days between December 26 and December 28. This marks a departure from the previous five years when volunteers were sought for Boxing Day shifts.
Approximately a quarter of store employees will now work solely on Boxing Day, with the option to take the day off as holiday if they choose not to work. While the larger M&S stores will remain closed on Boxing Day, the company aims to have more staff present to prepare for reopening on December 27.
It has been noted that a considerable percentage of both permanent and seasonal M&S workers did not work during peak days in the past. Staff are also expected to be available for work on December 22, 23, and 24 in the lead-up to Christmas.
Jayne Wall, M&S’s operations director, expressed gratitude for the hard work of colleagues during the festive season, emphasizing the importance of having sufficient staff to welcome customers back on December 27. The decision to keep stores closed on Boxing Day in recent years was a gesture of appreciation for staff members’ dedication, particularly during the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The changes to working schedules were implemented prior to a cyber attack in April, which is projected to cost the company around £300 million. The breach impacted various systems, affecting payments and click and collect services, as well as disrupting logistics and distribution operations, leading to temporary stock shortages.
Customers are advised to exercise caution if contacted by individuals claiming to represent M&S, although there is currently no evidence of data sharing. The compromised data does not include usable payment details or account passwords, alleviating some concerns regarding financial information security.