OTLEY MP Harold Best is backing a union campaign to ensure that 'Scrooge-like' employers give retail staff Christmas Day off.

Mr Best will be meeting local shopworkers and launching shopworkers' union Usdaw's Protect Christmas Day Petition at a street stall in Headingley at 9.30am on Saturday.

He said: "Even Scrooge let his staff have Christmas Day off, although he did make them work late on Christmas Eve. This is the situation that most shopworkers find themselves in, but more and more people are facing the prospect of not being allowed to take time off on Christmas Day.

"I was shocked to learn of the extent of Christmas Day opening that occurred last year and I am very worried that more retailers will be considering opening this year.

"Christmas Day is very special and should remain so."

Bill Connor, General Secretary of Usdaw, said: "I am delighted to have the support of Harold Best MP in our campaign to protect Christmas Day.

"Five years ago if anyone had said that we would have to run this campaign, I would have thought they were crazy, but this is the harsh reality of today's' retail sector.

"We are running this campaign with a view to getting a change in law to protect Christmas Day."

Current legislation does not stop employers forcing shopworkers to work on Christmas Day, unless it is a Sunday.