Plans Progress to Increase Sunday Trading Hours

Months ago, talks began regarding increasing Sunday trading laws, and now it seems that the government are pressing ahead with plans. According to the Guardian, amendments to the Enterprise Bill will be introduced to enable the change in hours to be made in the autumn.

Although the union Usdaw has suggested that this change will significantly affect workers, allowing them less time with their families and potentially putting small stores out of business, Business Minister Anna Soubry has commented:

“The rights of shop workers are key to making these changes work in everyone’s interests. We are protecting those who do not wish to work Sundays, and those who do not want to work more than their normal Sunday working hours.”

More specifically, it has been said that retail workers will be able to give one month’s notice as to whether they want to work Sundays, or opt out of additional hours.

However, this has been opposed by Usdaw general secretary John Hannett:

“Their claims to be offering additional protection for shopworkers amounts to nothing more than has existed for the last 20 years. 91% of our members working in retail oppose longer Sunday trading because they know it will have an adverse effect on family life and put them under even more pressure to work longer hours on a Sunday.” He also added: “The Sunday Trading Act is a great British compromise… retailers can trade, customers can shop, staff can work; whilst Sunday remains a special day, different to other days, and shopworkers can spend some time with their family.”

For many, it seems that the change in Sunday trading laws is just a step too far, as most big stores are already open almost every day of the year, with plenty of hours to shop and get what you need. A few extra hours on a Sunday will only negatively affect workers, not benefit the store significantly.

What do you think?