Figures from the TUC show 1,104,000 employees will be working tomorrow, an increase of 22,000 from 2016.

Care workers and senior care workers account for the biggest share of those working on Christmas Day, followed by nurses, chefs and cleaners.

Many union agreements ensure staff get premium rates or an extra day off for working on Christmas Day.

But lots of service sector workers don’t get extra compensation for working on 25 December

The TUC says bosses should reward staff fairly for the inconvenience of working on Christmas Day and loss of time with their loved ones.

Frances O’Grady, general secretary of the TUC, said: “We owe a huge debt to all those working on Christmas day. As we spend time with our loved ones, they keep Britain ticking over.

“Many on duty on will be on low pay, especially in sectors like hospitality and social care.  They deserve to be fairly rewarded for the essential services they provide.

“And people working in shops during the manic festive period should be given time off with their families.”