MOST Kent directors do not support trading on Christmas Day and the majority of them let staff leave work early on Christmas Eve.

According to a survey in December, 89 per cent of Institute of Directors (IoD) members were opposed to businesses and shops opening on Christmas Day and 93 per cent of them allowed staff to go home early on Christmas Eve.

Alyson Howard, chairman of the Kent Branch of the IoD, said: “The run-up to Christmas is a busy time for many businesses, particularly those in the retail trade, the tourist and hospitality sector and the organisations that supply them.

“This is because there is usually a surge in demand for the products and services in these sectors.

“By the time of Christmas Eve, most directors and their employees are in need of a well-earned break. All the more reason to keep Christmas special and close down for the day.”