DELIVERING the Employment Rights Act is the “perfect Christmas present” for the more than one million people who will be working on Christmas Day, the TUC says.

Based on analysis of official ONS data from previous years, the TUC estimates that 1.2 million people will be on the clock on the holiday on Thursday.

Low-paid professions, including care workers, nurses and nursing assistants are those most likely to not have a time off this Christmas, the TUC said.

Many of those will be on insecure terms, with one in five workers in social care working on zero-hours contracts, which do not guarantee secure or regular income.

These types of contracts mean workers are less likely to try to challenge unacceptable behaviour from bosses, fearing that they will not be given shifts in the future.

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “For many of us, Christmas Day is a special time to spend with our nearest and dearest.

“So, we should all spare a thought for the people who will be hard at work, while we’re opening our presents, tucking into the turkey and relaxing with our families.

“Let’s stop and pay thanks to all those who keep the services we rely upon running during the Christmas break.” 

Ahead of the holiday, the TUC said the government must prioritise the delivery of the Employment Rights Act which has recently received Royal Assent.

Mr Nowak added: “Many working on Christmas Day will be on zero-hours contracts — especially in sectors like social care and hospitality.

“But when the Employment Rights Act comes into force, exploitative zero-hours contracts should be consigned to history.

“Banning exploitative zero-hours contracts, sick pay for all, expanding parental and bereavement leave — these are just some of the watershed measures the legislation will now deliver.  

“And it will introduce a Fair Pay Agreement in social care — which will improve pay and conditions for those at work to look after the most vulnerable in society on Christmas Day.

“This is the perfect Christmas present for millions of workers up and down the country, including those working today, who will now enjoy more security, better pay and dignity at work.”