British Employees Will Spend The Longest Christmas Holidays.

Affected by the economic crisis, employees of some of Britain's depressed businesses will soon have the longest Christmas holiday in 16 years, and the pportation industry will also encounter "cold currents".

And many businesses take time to attract customers, and some even plan to do business for 24 hours to promote sales.

The cash strapped employer has long holidays for employees, the Guardian reported on 20. The financial crisis has led to a credit crunch in Britain. When Christmas comes, employers who are short of cash spend holiday for their employees.

Some employees even extend their Christmas holidays until next January 19th.

They will have the longest Christmas holiday in 16 years.

Car manufacturers such as Ford Motor Co. and vex Motor Co. have temporarily closed some factories in the UK and have been on holiday for their employees. Some car workers will enjoy a month's mandatory holiday.

The British small business association estimates that about 50 000 businesses will be closed from 22 to January 5th next year, the longest Christmas holiday since 1992.

"About 50 companies, including consulting and private enterprises, will be closed for that period," said Steve Alanbretis, a spokesman for the Federation of small business associations. "The aim is to reduce fuel and heating expenses and work related expenses such as taxi fare."

33% of the people are going to reduce their driving expenses. "The guardian" reported that the economic downturn forced many people to spend Christmas at home. During the Christmas season, highways and airports will be quieter than ever.

The number of cars on the highway is estimated to be about 2 million less than that of last year.

The number of people traveling by car will also decrease.

The British Automobile Association estimates that because of the economic downturn, people's long-distance travel plans are affected, and 1/3 of the owners may reduce their driving out.

"I think it's going to be quieter during the Christmas period, because 33% of the people are reducing driving to save money," said Edmund Kim, President of the Auto Association. "In ordinary years, families usually go out for two to three times, and now they are reducing the number of trips."

The aviation industry will also experience "cold current" during Christmas.

The airport authority said that the situation of the normally busy airport would be eased, and that the number of passengers travelling under the jurisdiction of the British Airport Authority would be reduced by 4.5%.

The number of passengers who fly by plane from 15 to January 5th of next year will reach 7 million 900 thousand, compared with nearly 8 million 300 thousand last year.

A lot of supermarkets will carry out 24 hours of holiday business. The British Daily Mail reported that the number of customers received by British businesses this week decreased by more than 10% compared with the same period last year.

In order to narrow the gap, businesses do everything possible to promote sales.

More than 730 supermarkets will operate 24 hours from 21 to Christmas Eve.

At least 500 retail outlets, including Marx Spencer limited, extend their business hours to midnight.

Many fashion shops and sales outlets will be open until at least 9 o'clock in the evening.

Richard Dodd, a British Retailers Association, said: "under the severe economic situation, few businesses are willing to close their doors and give up their opportunities to competitors."

Analyst Jonathan Mello said: "our research shows that the discount sales activities so far have not yet achieved the desired results."

"It seems strange that people go to stores to buy Christmas items at midnight," De Mello said. "But at the moment people are worrying about their work and working overtime.

In this case, it is very important for customers to get the items they need at midnight, especially when Christmas is coming.

Yang Jing: editor in charge