British Sunday Trading laws to ease with the aim of boosting the economy

The British government is aiming to boost the economy following the coronavirus outbreak and lockdowns. It has been reported that Sunday trading laws could be eased to ensure large stores can remain open for longer hours on Sundays.

Currently Sunday opening hours are restricted as the the 1994 Sunday Trading Act limits stores with a retail space over 280 sq m to a maximum of six hours of trading.

However, it has been reported that the government is considering allowing large stores to remain open extra hours as a result of rising unemployment in the retail sector.

The Times has reported the Prime Minister, the Chancellor and the Business Secretary are thought to be in favour of the new measure. Shop-workers union USDAW has criticised this new measure and described it as misguided.

In in past, ex British prime minister David Cameron has also attempted to relax the Sunday regulations and was defeated by 27 Tory rebels voting against the government.