There Is No Compelling Evidence To Support Changes To 1994 Sunday Trading Laws Says GMB.

If changes are pushed through legal safeguards to give a genuine choice for retail workers are needed so that they can plan their work around their family and caring commitments says GMB.

GMB, the union for retail staff, responded to reports that shops could open for longer on Sundays under plans to be unveiled by Chancellor George Osborne when he delivers his Budget tomorrow ( July 8th). See notes to editors for copy of the story on Press Association.

Bob Crosby, lead GMB Organiser, said “GMB has not seen any compelling evidence to support the need for change to the 1994 Sunday Trading laws.

If changes are pushed through there needs to be legal safeguards to give a genuine choice for people working in retail so that they can plan their work around their family and caring commitments.

We have to face the fact that some employers will take advantage of the weak bargaining position of their staff and force them to work on Sunday.

For example earlier this year NEXT threatened to sack retail workers who refused to accept the withdrawal of premium pay for Sunday working that was introduced when shops were allowed to open on Sunday after 1994.

While looking to boost the retailers bottom line is no guarantee that money will trickle down to retail workers. These workers will soon be faced with the need to replace the income lost when the Chancellor announces cuts to child and working tax credit that will impact on many retail workers.

Changes to Sunday trading laws will impact on the supply chain. Behind all shops are workers in the distribution sector. They too will be affected by decision to extend opening hours.”