SHOP workers are being urged to write to their MP to support a legal ban on working Christmas Day.

Large stores are currently only forbidden from opening if December 25 is a Sunday, but a Bill going through Parliament could change the law.

Usdaw, the shop workers' union, wants the loophole closed, fearing "widespread trading on Christmas Day is a real possibility".

"Although few big stores have opened on Christmas Day in the past, the fiercely competitive nature of retail dictates that it would only take one big store to break ranks and the floodgates would open," said Usdaw general secretary, John Hannett.

The Bill will receive its hearing on Friday, June 18.