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19/05/2017
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)
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)
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28 January 2020
Belfast Retail Staff Oppose Sunday Trading Extension
Over 90% of Belfast's retail staff have rejected the idea of longer Sunday trading hours. Some 92% delivered an empathic 'no' to shop workers' trade union Usdaw when consulted on the matter as part of Belfast City Council's 'Sundays in the City' strategy.
Belfast Retail Staff Oppose Sunday Trading Extension
Over 90% of Belfast's retail staff have rejected the idea of longer Sunday trading hours. Some 92% delivered an empathic 'no' to shop workers' trade union Usdaw when consulted on the matter as part of Belfast City Council's 'Sundays in the City' strategy.
26 November 2019
Council Seeks Views On Sundays In Belfast City Centre
Members of the public are being encouraged to submit their views on how to attract new visitors into Belfast city centre on Sundays.
Council Seeks Views On Sundays In Belfast City Centre
Members of the public are being encouraged to submit their views on how to attract new visitors into Belfast city centre on Sundays.
01 April 2010
NI Short Makes London Film Festival
A film produced through Northern Ireland Screen's Digital Shorts Programme has been selected for a prestigious national competition. Sundays, written and directed by Alanna Riddell has been selected for competition at the London Independent Film Festival which runs from 15th to 27th April.
NI Short Makes London Film Festival
A film produced through Northern Ireland Screen's Digital Shorts Programme has been selected for a prestigious national competition. Sundays, written and directed by Alanna Riddell has been selected for competition at the London Independent Film Festival which runs from 15th to 27th April.
20 August 2009
Comedy Capers Hit Belfast
Rural 'Culchie' comedy is to be on the streets of Belfast for an 'afternoon of mayhem' this coming Sunday afternoon. The Magilligan Family (pictured) are to be unleashed on the al fresco stage at CottonCourt at 1pm and 3pm, alternating with the rope-swirling genius that is Leapin’ Louie.
Comedy Capers Hit Belfast
Rural 'Culchie' comedy is to be on the streets of Belfast for an 'afternoon of mayhem' this coming Sunday afternoon. The Magilligan Family (pictured) are to be unleashed on the al fresco stage at CottonCourt at 1pm and 3pm, alternating with the rope-swirling genius that is Leapin’ Louie.
19 May 2017
Plans To Extend Sunday Trading Hours Rejected
Plans to extend Sunday trading hours in Northern Ireland have been rejected following a vote at Belfast City Council. The council voted 12-3 opposing the the move. The DUP, Sinn Fein and the SDLP were all against the proposals.
Plans To Extend Sunday Trading Hours Rejected
Plans to extend Sunday trading hours in Northern Ireland have been rejected following a vote at Belfast City Council. The council voted 12-3 opposing the the move. The DUP, Sinn Fein and the SDLP were all against the proposals.
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