Sherwoods puts wellbeing first in Sunday closure move

Sherwoods Motor Group is to close its dealerships on Sundays in an effort to prioritise the wellbeing of its staff.

The decision - aimed at fostering a better work-life balance for its 150 employees, particularly those in sales roles - means that sales managers and executives will no longer be obliged to work one in two Sundays.

Under the new policy, only one staff member will be on duty remotely no more than one Sunday in six to handle customer inquiries.

The company plans to inform customers about this change through signage at its four sites in Gateshead, Sunderland, Durham, and Washington and QR codes on its website.

Andy Drinkel, sales director, said: "Sherwoods is a long-standing family business that understands the importance of family time, and we want to be known for giving staff an attractive work-life balance, as well as paying them well."

Drinkel explained that providing sales staff with greater flexibility would allow them to plan weekends with family, attend events, or simply enjoy a Saturday night without the worry of work the next day.

The decision follows those of Pentagon, Burrows Motor Group, Brindley's, Mitchells and Peter Vardy to allow staff to take Sundays as rest days.