Spar UK has reacted with anger to the Westminster government’s plans to relax Sunday trading rules in England and Wales.
The law would be suspended for a year in the bid to stimulate the economy, which is flatlining during the coronavirus crisis. The latest figures from the Office of National Statistics revealed that the economy shrank by 20% in April – the worst figure since records began.
Shops of 3,000sq ft and over can currently only open for six consecutive hours between 10am and 6pm.
Commenting on the proposal, Spar UK Managing Director Louise Hoste (pictured), said: “We are outraged that the government are planning to suspend Sunday trading laws.
“We feel disappointed that our efforts to feed the nation have not been seen as enough. Independent retailers adapted on a daily basis to ensure the general public all over the UK had access to essential items during the pandemic.
“The proposals to deregulate Sunday trading hours would have a personal impact on independent family businesses who meet local demands in villages and towns every day. Stores are essential lifelines not only for the vulnerable but for a healthy thriving local community. This has never been more evident than it is now during this pandemic, when independent Spar stores have supported the nation, given their all to communities, and worked tirelessly to help vulnerable people.
Hoste said changing the law would be an affront that would put family businesses at risk.
She added: “The current Sunday trading laws help to maintain a balance between large supermarket and small convenience stores providing food and other essential items. Extending Sunday trading hours would divert trade away from smaller community-based stores to larger supermarkets, bringing negative growth to the high street.”
The Association of Convenience Stores, which represents 33,500 local shops on high streets and rural communities, has called on the government to shelve the plans.
A Populus poll last month showed that 58% of the public support the current laws, and only 21% oppose them.
Spar UK called on everyone in the convenience industry to write to their local MP and urge them not to support the suspension of Sunday trading laws.
