Press Release: Public say ‘NO’ to more sunday trading
08-Apr-2010
A new poll shows that only 5% of the public favour any liberalisation of Sunday trading laws. The polling shows that the Garden Centre Group, which opened a number of its stores on Easter Sunday in a challenge to the current law, is out of step with the public. It is also a blow for major retailers like Selfridges and House of Fraser who have sent a letter to Lord Mandelson, the Business Secretary, seeking longer trading hours on Boxing Day, which falls on a Sunday this year. 85% of those polled opposed a one-off change to the law for Boxing Day.
Peter Lynas from Keep Sunday Special said, ‘This new poll shows that the vast majority of people don’t want to see more Sunday trading. 1.5 million parents will be working this Sunday and over a million work both weekend days – when do they get to see their children? Sundays are about relationships with friends and family and rest. The big stores need to put people before profit.’
Key Figures from the Polling
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76% of public support existing laws
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70% of those who oppose the current laws favour stronger restrictions on Sunday trading
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5% wanted a relaxation of the trading laws; 89% of the total sample favour no change or further restrictions
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85% of the total sample oppose the one-off change for Boxing Day argued for by retail chains today.
The Sunday Trading Act restricts the opening times of larger stores, those larger than 280m², to a maximum of six hours, between 10am and 6pm only. Large shops are also prevented from opening on Easter Sunday and Christmas Day.
The Garden Centre Group announced their intention to open a number of their stores on Easter Sunday. Customers were able to talk to staff, take advice and examine goods but not purchase anything. Keep Sunday Special is calling on Local Authorities to take action and ensure that the will of Parliament and the people is respected.
Peter Lynas continued, ‘Some large stores are worried about Boxing Day falling on a Sunday this year and want Sunday trading laws relaxed. Next year they will probably want to open on Christmas Day. John Lewis didn’t open on Boxing Day in 2009 and posted record profits, which undermines the business argument for a relaxation in the rules.’
‘If anything, we should consider extending the Act to cover Boxing Day so workers get two days off over Christmas to see their families. As long as all the large stores are shut, no-one looses out.’
For more information please contact: Peter Lynas –
p.lynas@relationshipsfoundation.org 01223 341286 or 07899 898066
NOTE TO EDITORS:
Polling was conducted for the Association of Convenience Stores by GfK NOP between 26th-28th March 2010. A full breakdown of the polling is available on request.
For research on the impact of weekend working see:
Weekend Workers: part-time Parents?
Keep Sunday Special wants to share a positive vision of Sunday as a shared day off enabling families, friends and communities to come together. It is supported by faith groups, trade unions, trade associations, independent retailers, convenience stores and concerned individuals.
Click here for Premier news and interview with Peter Lynas, our Spokesman.
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