Keep Sunday Special group to take legal action over Sunday trading plans

It has been reported that ministers are facing a legal action over plans to extend Sunday trading hours.

The 'Keep Sunday Special' group has sent a “letter before action” to the government and claims that the Government has not published an assessment on the impact on family life and used out of date evidence when compiling the the review

A campaign spokesman said “We do not enter into this action lightly, and do so with a heavy heart.

“There are fundamental flaws in the process that the Government has taken and full consideration is needed, not the inadequate process that has taken place to date.”

The chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores, James Lowman, said: “Longer opening hours will serve only to benefit out of town stores, whilst hurting high streets, Post Offices and small shops – resulting in a net loss of jobs to the economy.

“We fully support this legal action to hold Government to account for their actions.”

A Government spokesman advised: "Extending Sunday shopping hours has the potential to help businesses and high streets better compete as our shopping habits change.

“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.”

Source : Insight DIY