is it true that if your boss tells you he wants you to work on boxing day for example, you have to go in because theres no law to protect you otherwise.?? ian.
Employers are not required by law to give you time off on public holidays. Whatever agreement you have will be part of your contract of employment. Many employers do have arrangements describing what happens when you are asked to work a public holiday.
This question seems to be in conflict with your other one.
Your other question implies that you're not contracted to work on Wednesdays. If that's the case, your boss can't insist that you work on 26 December this year (unless there's specific provision in your contract to enable him to do so). However, if Wednesday is a normal working day, your employer can insist that you go in and there's no obligation upon him/her to pay you at a higher rate than normal.