A TEESSIDE MP is backing calls for shop workers not to be forced to work on Christmas Day.

Ashok Kumar, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, is supporting the move by shop workers' union Usdaw to keep the 25th special for shop and store workers.

The union is concerned that an increasing number of retailers are pressing to keep their shops open on Christmas Day.

The motion, put forward by Dr Kumar and a handful of other MPs, says that shopworkers are put under pressure to abandon their family responsibilities when they should be able to spend time with their children.

Last night, Dr Kumar said: "I am a principal signatory of a Commons Early Day Motion backing the Usdaw case, and 33 of my colleagues from all three parties have so far backed this call. Hopefully, many more will sign in the days up to Christmas.

"Christmas is a hectic time for everyone, but far more so for shop workers, who have to put up with packed shops and busy and anxious customers in the days and weeks running up to the holiday.

"Shop workers, perhaps more than anyone else, need a proper break and a holiday over Christmas - a basic right for just about everyone else.

"It seems that current regulations mean that there is no protection whatsoever for shopkeepers when Christmas does not fall on a Sunday, and I feel that this is something that should be looked at in the future."