STAFF at the Asda branch in Park Royal will get a two-day break this Christmas, after it was announced that all branches will be closed on Boxing Day.

The supermarket chain said it is recognising the efforts made by all staff members during the pandemic.

As key workers they have worked throughout the coronavirus crisis, this extra day off will give them the opportunity to spend time with friends and family during the five day lifting of restrictions.

CEO and President of Asda, Roger Burnley 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 December 23-27 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."

Additionally, staff that were contracted to work on Boxing Day will be paid in full.

Asda has also confirmed that all eligible hourly-paid workers are guaranteed to receive 100% of their bonus entitlement, which will be paid in February 2021.

The recognition follows a 'Thank You' payment made in June to all staff that had worked throughout lockdown, during which time Asda continued to pay its workers in full and did not furlough anyone.

This announcement follows that of other big chains such as Home Bargains, who a few weeks ago announced that all their branches would close for Boxing Day.