Shop Workers Protest Over Extended Trading Hours On Sundays

A number of shop workers have taken part in a protest outside Belfast City Hall to oppose extending trading hours on Sundays.

Usdaw the union led the demonstration after a member survey came out 6:1 against.

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw Deputy General Secretary, said: "The current Sunday trading arrangements are a fair compromise, which has worked well for 20 years, and gives everyone a little bit of what they want. Retailers can trade, customers can shop, staff can work; whilst Sunday remains a special day, different to other days, and shopworkers can spend some time with their family.

"Our members in large stores remain absolutely opposed to extended Sunday trading. The number one reason for their opposition is the detrimental effect this would have on their family life. They cite real concerns about the additional pressure they would come under to work on Sundays if shops are open longer.

"Many shopworkers, particularly parents, tell us how important Sunday is to them and their family. Often it is the one day of the week when everyone can sit down together for a meal, with many saying they needed the time on Sunday to help their children prepare for the school week.

"We remain absolutely opposed to extended Sunday trading. Crucially, even the supporters of extended Sunday opening hours have not been able to show it will lead to economic benefits or job creation. Longer opening hours do not mean people have more money to spend, so large stores have higher opening costs, but similar takings.

"Sundays would lose a lot of what makes them special and we do not believe that Belfast City Council should pass their proposals."

(CD/JP)