ONE of Southampton's retail giants today sought to allay staff concerns that they would have to put in 40 extra hours each over Christmas and the New Year.

Debenhams, which employs 500 people at its city store, admitted it is to extend trading hours over the hectic festive period, with temporary workers helping out.

But the revelation that the shop is to remain open for longer is said to have caused anxiety to certain employees.

They feared they wouldn't be at home with their families over the seasonal break.

Talks between store bosses and members of staff over the working hours issue are currently taking place to avoid any misunderstandings.

One worker, who is not being named by Business South, spoke of her anger over the trading extension. She said: "We have already been advised of the Christmas and New Year working hours - an extra 40 hours compared to last year, and not open for negotiation.

"Some people not in the retail trade probably think it's no more or less than we should expect.

"It seems to us the board of directors has conveniently forgotten that we also have families and loved ones and Christmas is a precious time of year to us as well as to them and other people.

"We are now only closed for Christmas Day; we wonder if we are doomed to having more and more hours added to our working days, until for us Christmas is no more."

Debenhams admitted it is extending Christmas trading hours but denied anyone was being forced to work longer. A spokesman explained: "We have taken on 60 per cent more temporary members of staff this year in order to allow us to cover the additional hours.

"Debenhams does not expect anyone to work more hours than they did last year and each store manager will discuss and agree hours with staff.

"Everyone will as a result have suitable time off, which is three consecutive days during the Christmas and New Year trading period, and to work on any of the bank holidays is voluntary."

Usdaw, the UK's biggest retail union, said any pressure to work more hours, against the background of a fiercely competitive retail sector, would be "distressing" for some staff.

The union has already warned in the past that it is only a matter of time before some big-name retailers break ranks to open up on Christmas Day itself. A Bill to prevent this happening in England and Wales is currently going through Parliament.