The decision not to shut up shop for the special bank holiday has sparked a national campaign by general union GMB.

Union leaders are demanding that CPM directors re-think the move claiming it is an abuse of workers rights.

CPM operates from four locations in Somerset, Staffordshire, Yorkshire and Scotland.

According to the union, CPM Group managing director, Mike Stacey told workers the royal wedding, combined with statutory bank holidays would cause too much business disruption in such hard economic times.

Workers will have the opportunity to take annual holiday leave to enjoy the day if they so wish, but will need their line manager’s approval, ensuring that the business is unaffected.

Rachelle Wilkins, GMB Organiser, midlands and east coast region, said: “GMB members consider that this pathetic use of the current economic situation is nothing more than a sham excuse.

She claimed the concrete firm was currently working overtime and had recently employed agency staff due to cope with increased orders.

“The real reason the company is trying to enforce this decision is because they have been advised by an outside HR Advisory Service after they had looked over the terms and conditions of employment that the company could refuse to apply this Special Bank Holiday”.

“This is a total and utter abuse of the working time directive and the law surrounding Bank Holidays,” said Wilkins.

“I have spoken with Nick Gainsford ( Director) and urged the company to re-think their somewhat uncharitable decision and afford GMB members the Special Bank Holiday to celebrate the day.

“I told him that GMB members hope the decision was not cast in stone.”