Patricia Hewitt has asked big stores not to open on Christmas day to allow thousands of workers to enjoy the festivities with their families.

The appeal has been made as laws for an official shut-down will not be in place until next year.

Patricia Hewitt, trade and industry secretary, said: "We can't change the law in time for this Christmas, but we hope to change the law in time for next year in relation to large stores opening on Christmas Day.

"I hope that major retailers will continue to observe the spirit of Christmas Day before the law is changed. Even the actions of one or two retailers could have wide-ranging consequences for shopworkers this Christmas.

"We live in a multi-cultural, multi-faith society, but Christmas Day remains a special day for most UK citizens, either for religious or family reasons.

"We want to preserve the special nature of this day and stop it becoming the first day of the sales. Shopworkers deserve a day with their families this Christmas."

Forum Response: USDAW

Sir Bill Connor, general secretary of Usdaw, said: "Shopworkers must be allowed to spend Christmas Day at home with their families. There is overwhelming public and political support for new legislation."

Forum Response: British Retail Consortium

A spokesman for the BRC told ePolitix.com: "Whilst the Christmas shopping period is a crucial time for large stores, trading on Christmas day in most cases has proven uneconomical. The proposed changes to the law will not be a major concern for retailers, as there is simply not a demand.

"Recent figures from the DTI reflect this, showing over 90 per cent of retailers have no intention to open up for business.

"The idea to enforce a ban on large stores opening seems unnecessary and a little heavy-handed. Retail should be viewed on a level playing field to other businesses such as hotels and restaurants, which have no restrictions.

"Scotland also is facing a ban on trading for both Christmas day and New Years day, but with a global reputation as the place to be at New Year, a ban on shops opening at this important time could irreversibly harm Scotland's reputation as a tourist and retail destination."