Member Article

Has Sunday Trading law relaxation worked?

This is the last weekend of the temporary relaxation in Sunday Trading laws, as the Olympic and Paralympic period comes to an end.

The measures have provoked much debate, as smaller retailers say the move only benefited their larger counterparts with bigger workforces and more resource.

Current legislation allows shops in England and Wales of more than 280 square metres to open for a maximum of six hours on a Sunday between 10am and 6pm, but over the summer period stores could open longer.

The Government will now decide whether the temporary measures will become a permanent legislative fixture.

Analysis of the outcomes over this trial period will be included in a regeneration Bill that is proposed for the autumn.

A survey commissioned by law firm DWF suggested that consumers welcomed extended Sunday trading, while religious groups and independent retailers were concerned the Government would permanently change legislation.

24% of consumers said longer opening hours would bring a “vital boost for the ailing UK economy”, while 16% of all respondents said shops should not be open at all on Sunday.

Head of Retail at DWF, Hilary Ross commented: “Given the need to stimulate the economy, the commitment to cutting red tape and strong employee protection laws coupled with the Scottish experience, it is difficult to see the justification for continuing to regulate Sunday trading in the current way.

“It is easy to forget that that this legislation, which is now viewed as restricting Sunday trading, was originally introduced as part of de-regulation in the early 1990s allowing shops to open on Sundays.

“At that time concerns were raised about the interests of employees and the traditional character of Sundays.

“However the Auld Committee concluded that the benefits of deregulation, particularly in terms of providing retailer flexibility and customer convenience, would outweigh any adverse effects. Some 20 years on the same is true.”

Of those aware of extended Sunday trading hours, adults under the age of 35 were most likely to exploit them, with 39% saying they would shop outside of normal hours.

Ms Ross added: “Our research provides a call to action for the Government. Many consumers clearly think the laws on Sunday trading in England and Wales are in need of modernisation to meet the needs of a modern multicultural society and the changing face of retail.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .