Major DIY retailer Screwfix has reportedly instructed its employees not to display Christmas decorations on shop floors this festive season, a move that has left some staff feeling like the spirit of Ebenezer Scrooge has visited head office.
Festive Cheer Confined to Staff Areas
According to reports, workers were informed this week that they are only permitted to put up tinsel and baubals in areas not visible to the public, such as staff rooms. A source speaking to The Sun expressed confusion and disappointment, stating: 'It was a decision taken by head office. We don't understand why. It feels a bit like Scrooge.'
The insider added: 'Staff aren't happy. We've put up decorations in the past. We can have them up in staff areas as long as customers can't see them.'
Company Defends Festive Spirit
Despite the ban on customer-facing decorations, Screwfix has insisted it is still embracing the Christmas period. A company spokesperson highlighted alternative festive activities, saying: 'Our colleagues are wearing Christmas jumpers and we have the Screwfix Christmas jumper and socks for our customers to buy.'
They clarified that the policy on staff room decorations remains unchanged from previous years, confirming: 'As with previous years, our teams are able to decorate their staff rooms.'
Part of a Wider Trend of Festive Caution
This decision mirrors a similar move by banking giant HSBC, which recently banned its customer-facing staff from wearing Christmas jumpers. HSBC bosses issued guidance over concerns that festive attire might not meet expectations of professionalism, particularly for customers discussing sensitive financial matters or reporting a bereavement.
An HSBC spokesperson explained: 'We are encouraging colleagues to celebrate Christmas in branches in lots of different ways, including decorating branches, team celebrations and festive lunches. However, it's important to also remember that branches are spaces where customers receive a range of specialist services that require professionalism and sensitivity.'
Unlike Screwfix, HSBC is still encouraging branch decorations, as these were deemed to carry a lower risk of causing offence than clothing.
The issue of festive branding has sparked other controversies recently. Last month, supermarket chain Tesco faced public outcry after it emerged they were selling a 'Luxury Evergreen Tree' instead of explicitly calling it a Christmas tree. The £60 product was labelled as such to clarify the type of tree inside the box, but many critics branded the move as 'woke nonsense' on social media.
These incidents highlight the ongoing balancing act for major UK retailers and service providers, who must navigate public expectations for festive cheer while maintaining brand image and professional standards in a diverse consumer market.
