CONTRARY to what Len Bradbury thinks, I am well aware of how hard shop workers work. Most people, wherever they work, work hard, many are forced or intimidated into working long hours.

As a lifelong trades unionist and ex-shop steward, I have always opposed excessive overtime. No one should be forced to work overtime, but that doesn't mean shops should shut at the busiest time of the year. If there is too much work for the workers to do, then there is an obvious need for more workers, not more overtime.

It is ludicrous that banks, doctors, dentists, libraries and other services are closed on the very days when most people are off work, and therefore able to use these services if they were open.

A flexible working week of any five days from seven would create more employment, and allow staff to have more time off. Everyone would benefit, not least shopworkers.

So you see Len, I don't believe in working people until they drop. On the contrary, I believe in employing more people and keeping overtime to a minimum. Union principles not Thatcherism.

Brian Derbyshire

Ribchester Grove, Bolton