Small firms to take two-week 'Xmas break'

Date: 19th December 2008

A large number of small businesses are set to take an extended Christmas holiday, it has been revealed.

Speaking to BBC News, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) commented that more small firms would be taking an extended break than any other time in the last 16 years.

Estimates from the federation suggest that up to ten per cent of smaller enterprises will be looking to cut costs by shutting up for as long as two weeks.

Stephen Alambritis, a spokesman for the FSB, told BBC News: "By closing down for the full two weeks, small firms are looking to save a bit of cash through reduced electricity and fuel bills."

He added that while it was unlikely smaller retailers would be shutting down, partnerships and sole traders such as plumbers and electricians would be paring their operations over the festive season.

In a European Parliament session earlier this week, members voted to scrap the UK's prerogative to opt-out of the 48 hours Working Time Directive.