News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Staff burst into tears after their boss told them they wouldn't have to work on Boxing Day this year.

Jewellery boss Peter Wong decided to make a stand about workers deserving time with their families this festive period following a nationwide campaign.

He said he had only begun opening the day after Christmas in recent years, following “mounting pressure” on retailers to open every day.

But he shared a video of him delivering the vow this week after more than 140,000 people signed a petition calling for Boxing Day opening to be banned.

Mum Chelsea Jefferson, 28, was overjoyed at the news, as she said it meant she could now take her baby daughter to see family in Yorkshire.

The Wongs Jewellers deputy manager said she was moved to tears at the announcement.

She told the Liverpool Echo : “This is the first time where my daughter, who is 17 months old, will be able to open her gifts properly. My family are in Yorkshire, so I wasn’t going to be able to go back as I working Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.

“I thought ‘oh dear’ at first when my boss got us together, but he said he was going to make a stance on it - I cried. He didn’t have to.

“It can be nice working with the team on Boxing Day, but we do have personal lives. It’s important to recognise family is as or more important as spending extra money.”

The independent store was founded in 1979 by Peter Wong’s dad Brian and has 16 staff.

It ran a glitzy winter ball last week to raise money for Alder Hey, with Hollyoaks stars Jessica Fox and Tamara Wall and Olympian Beth Tweddle among the guests.

Managing director Wong, 45, said in a video online: “The hot topic of debate at the moment and one I have close to my heart is whether businesses should open or not on Boxing Day.

(Image: Google Maps)

“In previous years my decision to open was down to the mounting pressure placed on retailers to open 365 days a year.

“However, as a family man I understand the value of spending time with those you love at a precious time of the year.

“Therefore I have decided to keep the store closed this Boxing Day, and by doing so make clear on which side of the debate I stand, and allow my fantastic team the time they deserve with their brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, parents and grandparents.

“Cheers everybody, and have a very happy Christmas.”