Extended Sunday trading would be detrimental to shopworkers and their families argues Ellesmere Port and Neston MP Justin Madders.
The Labour MP is backing local shopworkers and opposes Government changes to Sunday trading laws
He was speaking after meeting members of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW) at a lobby of Parliament to oppose the Government’s proposal to change Sunday trading regulations.
USDAW members who work in retail explained how extended opening in large stores would lead to even more retail staff being pressured to work longer hours on Sundays. This was why over 90% of shopworkers opposed any extension to Sunday trading hours.
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Mr Madders said: “The Sunday Trading Act is a great British compromise which has worked well for over 20 years and gives everyone a little bit of what they want.
“Retailers can trade, customers can shop, and staff can work whilst Sunday remains a special day, different to other days and shopworkers can spend some time with their family.
“I am convinced that shops are currently open long enough for people to do their shopping.
“Extending Sunday trading would not create jobs and is likely to lead to the closure of smaller stores.
“So this is not a way to boost the local economy or help town centres.”
He concluded: “ It would be detrimental to shopworkers and their families, as well as wider society so I am pleased to be supporting USDAW’s campaign to ‘Keep Sunday Special’.”
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