Spare a thought for the workers this Christmas
CHRISTMAS is a time of joy and celebration, when many of us get to spend time with those we love.
As families tuck into the leftover turkey today, and children wear out the batteries on their new toys, this week is an opportunity for many to enjoy a well-deserved break from work.
That includes MSPs, who are fortunate enough to get a fortnight away from Parliament to spend with loved ones.
But those of us who are lucky enough to celebrate Christmas with our family and friends should spare a thought for those who won’t be so lucky.
I’m thinking in particular of those serving in our Armed Forces around the world. They risk their lives to secure our freedom all year round.
The British Army are currently deployed in more than 80 countries, doing dangerous and vital work that helps war-torn communities to rebuild, and keeps us safer at home.
Along with their colleagues in the other Armed Forces, they all deserve our thanks, especially at this time of year.
Here in Scotland, thousands of people have also been at work this week.
The National Health Service is our most precious institution and I would like to pay tribute to those working in our emergency services over Christmas, including doctors, nurses, firefighters, police officers, ambulance drivers, technicians and the many others who devote their lives to serving others.
And it is not only those in the emergency services who deserve our thanks. There are countless people at work this week – bar, restaurant
I HOPE everyone reading this has spent the past few days surrounded by loved ones, friends, family and happiness. But for those feeling lonely or depressed this festive season, there is always someone to talk to. If you are struggling to cope, please remember you can phone the Samaritans on 116 123 or Childline on 0800 1111.
and hotel staff, petrol station attendants and train, bus and taxi drivers to name just a few.
Not to forget the members of the clergy who deliver the Christmas message in churches around Scotland, and the workers in the media who continue to keep us informed about the global news.
And, of course, the shopworkers – many of whom worked incredibly hard yesterday as the Boxing Day sales got under way.
It is up to individual retailers to decide if they want to open on Boxing Day or not – some choose not to, others such as Next have made their early-morning sale a popular annual event.
The trade union Usdaw have rightly called on employers to respect workers’ contractual rights on bank holiday working and have piled pressure on retailers to pay premium rates for working unsociable shifts.
The union have been running an inspirational Freedom from Fear campaign, which spreads the message that abuse is not part of a shopworker’s job.
As people hunt for that post-Christmas bargain, it is important to remember that violence, threats and abuse against workers is unacceptable behaviour.
So if you are lucky enough to have a few more days off work and you are heading out to the shops, please respect the hard-working staff in the nation’s stores.
Everyone, especially those who have struggled to spend time with their loved ones in the past few days, deserves to enjoy Christmas.