Working Christmas Eve is 'pointless'

Firms were today urged to allow their staff to work flexibly on Christmas Eve because offices open on that day would be a "complete waste of time".

The Regus Group said only one in four people would work on Christmas Eve and many of those will start late or leave early.

The last time Christmas Eve fell on a Monday was six years ago, which also led to a low business turnout.

A survey of nearly 6,000 workers in the UK, the US and Germany showed that most people would not have to work on Christmas Eve.

Most businesses opening on that day would close at lunchtime, said the report. Jayne O'Brien of Regus said: "Christmas Eve falling on a Monday could end up being a complete waste of time, energy and money for businesses and employees.

"We are asking bosses to let staff work flexibly, whether from home or a business centre, rather than travelling to a near-empty office."

The report says closing offices would also have an environmental impact. Many employers will feel it is not worth it to open for one day after a weekend.

Others will decide the risk of workers calling in "sick" is too great.