HOME Bargains will be closing all of its 500 stores on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day to thank staff for their hard work during the extraordinary challenges of the pandemic.

The discount giant has also confirmed it will be shutting shops at the earlier time of 5pm on Christmas Eve.

Home Bargains stores typically shut around 8pm except on Sundays when most close at 4pm.

It will be the third consecutive year that the company has closed on Boxing Day 

Home Bargains said it wants to give workers more time to spend with family and friends over the Christmas season this year.

Other retailers have made similar moves including M&S and Morrisons.