Letter: Keep shops shut

Sir: Your editorial ("Let the tills ring out glad tidings", 24 December) needs to be challenged - 24-hour opening by supermarkets should not be welcomed.

You clearly have little idea of labour relations in the retail sector when you state: "Provided staff are paid fairly ... " It is not only pay - many retail workers are given little choice about working these unsocial hours, managements are autocratic and the workforce is generally poorly organised.

I accept that long opening hours are convenient, but I would find it convenient if banks, council and government offices and leisure centres were open 24 hours. I do not clamour for this, because the workers in these areas deserve some time with their families.

Enough is enough. It's time to return to decency and common sense.

NEIL HADDY

Chesterfield, Derbyshire