Retail chief criticises proposal to limit New Year’s Day trading

A Scottish Labour proposal to limit New Year’s Day trading in large shops for workers to have a “well-earned rest” has been criticised as “outdated” by a business leader.

Jackie Baillie’s parliamentary motion criticises the Scottish Government for failing to consult on New Year’s Day trading after calls from trade union Usdaw to close large premises on January 1 in Scotland.

It calls on the Scottish Government to “initiate a consultation with retail staff, their employers and the trade unions on New Year’s Day closing”, citing evidence about workers’ physical and mental health after an “incredibly busy period for the industry”.

Under law passed by the Scottish Parliament, shops are banned from opening on Christmas Day and Ms Baillie has backed Usdaw calls for this to be replicated on New Year’s Day.

David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “Where there is demand from customers and availability of staff then shops ought to continue to be free to choose to open on New Year’s Day if they so wish.

“The notion of banning trading on Ne’er Day is outdated and ill-thought-out considering customers can already shop online whenever they choose.

“It is also unclear why shops have been singled out and not businesses in sectors such as hospitality, tourism and leisure.

“Implementing a trading ban would send out a very poor signal and would fly in the face of the strenuous efforts being made to revitalise our high streets and to promote Scotland as a visitor destination at New Year.”