Sundays saved
The Government have recently announced that Sunday opening hours will not be extended following a review.
The success of the ‘Save our Sundays’ campaign organised by shopworkers union Usdaw and supported by their members, means that retail staff can now continue to spend at least part of their Sundays with family and friends.
When the shopworkers union Usdaw asked retail staff, 94% opposed longer opening hours on Sundays. 80% of staff already have to work on Sundays, and over half of them are under pressure to work more. Longer Sunday opening would have compelled more staff to work for longer to the detriment of their leisure and family time.
This was a well organised and well argued campaign which attracted wide support. I would like to congratulate shopworkers, faith organisations and others who voiced their concerns as part of the campaign to keep the 6-hour limit on Sunday opening.
It is important for all of us to have some time to relax with our loved ones. Lots of shopworkers in the constituency contacted me to let me know that most staff already work evenings and weekends, so Sunday is often the only time they can spend with friends and family who work or with children who are at school in the week.
I held discussions with the Minister responsible for making the decision, in which I was able to reflect the local concerns of shopworkers and church congregations in the constituency. I know from these, the arguments put across in the campaign had a strong influence on the Governments decision.
This is a victory for hard-working staff and their families, but I hope it will also help to keep Sundays special for all of us.
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