FIRMS were urged today to allow their staff to work flexibly on Christmas Eve because offices open on that day would be a “complete waste of time”.

The Regus Group said only one in four people would be working on Christmas Eve and many of those will arrive late or leave early.

The last time Christmas Eve fell on a Monday was six years ago and it led to a low business turnout.

A survey among almost 6,000 workers in the UK, United States and Germany showed that most people in all three countries would not have to work on Christmas Eve.

Most of the businesses planning to open on that day probably closed at lunchtime, said the report.

Jayne O’Brien, chief marketing officer of Regus, said: “Christmas Eve falling on a Monday this year could end up being a complete waste of time, energy and money for businesses and employees.”