Asda supermarket in Southport will stay closed on Boxing Day to give staff time off over Christmas

The Asda supermarket at Central 12 in Southport will close on Boxing Day this year. 

The firm has announced that it will allow the doors to stay shut in order to thank frontline staff for their hard work throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

The chain’s stores usually open on reduced hours the day after Christmas but an exception will be made this year to allow staff to spend more time with their families over the Christmas period. 

Chief executive Roger Burnley today confirmed that all of Asda’s 631 stores will close for two days.

In a message to employees, he said: “This has been a challenging year and you have all done an incredible job, continuing to serve our customers and communities while juggling so many other commitments.

“But it’s also been challenging from a personal perspective as we have not been able to spend time with our families and friends, which has been hard for us all.

“As you know, the strict guidelines set out by the government will change between 23rd and 27th December and more households will be able to gather together.

“This is of course our busiest time of year but it was important for us to give as many of you as possible the opportunity to spend this time with those loved ones that you may not have not seen for many months so, uniquely for this year, we will not reopen our stores until December 27.”

There is also good news about the annual bonus this year. 

At the start of the year, Asda sets the maximum amount each employee is entitled to as a bonus.

The portion they receive is based on their performance throughout the year, but the supermarket has said that this year everyone will receive the full amount.

Exactly how much each worker gets varies.

The bonus will be paid in February 2021’s paycheck .

All Asda supermarkets will close from 7pm on Christmas Eve and reopen on December 27.

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