Local Sunday trading won’t help small shops

SIR – Local shopworkers are very concerned about the Government’s plan to devolve Sunday trading hours to councils (report, February 3), and the effect that this will have on family life, local shops and the community.

The change could lead to large shops opening for longer, even though they are already trading for up to 150 out of 168 hours a week. It won’t help small stores, which are already allowed to open whenever they like, and may put some out of business.

This is a solution looking for a problem that doesn’t exist. The Sunday Trading Act is a great British compromise, which has worked well for more than 20 years and gives everyone a little bit of what they want. Retailers can trade, customers can shop and staff can work. Meanwhile Sunday remains a special day, and shopworkers can spend some time with their families.

We encourage your readers to let their MP know what they think, so that their vote in Parliament reflects local views.

John Hannett General Secretary, Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers Manchester