Shopworkers dressed as Santa supported Kevan Jones

Durham MP Kevan Jones' Christmas Day (Trading) Bill will stop 25 December becoming another shopping day and prevent staff from having to work.

Stores currently only have to close if Christmas Day falls on a Sunday.

On Friday his Private Member's Bill cleared the House of Commons and now stands a good chance of becoming law.

Members of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw) clad in Santa Claus outfits were at Parliament to support Mr Jones.

Under the Bill, stores larger than 280sq metres would be banned from opening on Christmas Day.

Competitive pressures

It has already cleared the Lords, and was set to complete its Parliamentary stages on Friday - the last day for backbench business before the end of this Parliamentary session.

Mr Jones said he was "delighted" that his Bill had cross party backing and support from the main established churches.

He said Parliament must protect the "unique nature" of Christmas.

Some large stores had begun testing the market in recent years and there was a danger of a "domino effect" with others following suit in the face of competitive pressures, he said.

Usdaw members were at the Houses of Parliament carrying a large banner saying: "Usdaw says Thanks for Protecting Christmas Day."

An Usdaw spokesman said: "This latest development marks an important stage in Usdaw's long-running battle to protect shop workers from being forced to work on Christmas Day.

"Usdaw is hopeful the legislation will be introduced in time for Christmas 2004, allowing staff in the larger stores free to spend time with families and friends on this special day."