SAINSBURY’S will close all its stores on Boxing Day to give staff a break.

       The UK’s second largest grocer will shut all its supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol stations as a thank you to 170,000 of its employees.

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       Sainsbury's will close all its stores along with Argos and Habitat stores on Boxing Day Credit: AFP - Getty

       This follows the lead of rivals including Morrisons, Waitrose and Marks & Spencer which have already said they will shut on December 26.

       Workers in the grocery sector have had a challenging 18 months with increased pressure from the pandemic, supply chain issues and having to adapt to and enforce pandemic regulations in stores.

       Simon Roberts, chief executive of Sainsbury's said: "Christmas is a really special time for so many, but because of lockdown restrictions last year, lots of us weren't able to celebrate in the way we wanted."

       He added: "I want to thank our customers in advance for their understanding, which will mean as many of our team as possible can have a well-deserved break to spend time with loved ones."

       Sainsbury's said it made the decision to shut its supermarkets, Argos and Habitat stores after listening to colleagues and trade unions.

       Paddy Lillis, of the Usdaw trade union, said: "The pandemic showed just how important shopworkers are to our society and communities, as they stepped up and kept essential services running throughout.

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       “Key workers have done so much this year and we don’t think it is too much to ask to give them the longest possible break over the festive season.

       “We now hope that other retailers will follow.”

       Supermarket pingdemic shortages – empty shelves hit shops as people urged not to panic buy