Houghton and Sunderland South MP, Bridget Phillipson has endorsed Usdaw’s campaign to stop planned government changes to Sunday trading laws.

The proposals, if enacted, would devolve regulations regarding Sunday Trading to cities and regions run by elected mayors. Currently large stores opening hours are restricted on Sundays allowing smaller stores to open all day unrestricted. You can read more about the campaign here.

Bridget Phillipson MP said:

“The Sunday Trading Act has worked well for over 20 years allowing retailers to trade, customers to shop, and staff to work. The law has maintained Sunday as a special day, different to other days, for shopworkers to spend some time with their families.

“I am not convinced that the current laws need amending and will oppose steps to water down Sunday trading legislation.”

John Hannett -; Usdaw General Secretary says:

“Usdaw and our members are delighted to have the support of Bridget and many others who value the special nature of Sunday and want to protect it. There is no great desire from shopworkers, customers, retailers or local authorities for these changes and many oppose them. We fear that devolution of Sunday trading is a solution looking for a problem.

“It is not yet clear whether the Government will seek to introduce legislation, but if they do I hope that they will abide by their promise of a proper consultation and a full parliamentary process. That would mean publication of the consultation responses and a considered reply from the Government, demonstrating that they have listened, before the introduction of any legislation to change Sunday trading.”

You can read further information about the government’s proposals here.