A new proposal suggests that retailers in England and Wales should be required to follow Sunday trading hours on all future bank holidays, restricting opening times to between 10am and 6pm. The Labour Party government is being urged to implement this change through a petition created by Phillip Marvell.
Petition Details
The petition states: "We want all retailers in England and Wales to be required to follow Sunday trading hours (only allowed to be open for 6 consecutive hours between 10am-6pm) on all bank holidays, ensuring consistent restrictions on trading hours and protecting workers’ rights to rest days." Currently, many large retailers operate extended hours on bank holidays, which the petition argues undermines a fair work-life balance for retail employees.
Current Sunday Trading Rules
Under existing laws, shops over 280 square metres can open on Sundays but only for six consecutive hours between 10am and 6pm. They must close on Easter Sunday and Christmas Day. Exemptions include airport and railway station outlets, service stations, registered pharmacies selling only medicinal products, farms selling mainly their own produce, and outlets selling motor or bicycle supplies. Exhibition stands are also exempt.
Potential Impact
The petition highlights that bank holidays are intended for rest, family life, and community activities. Extending trading hours on these days prevents retail workers from enjoying shared time off when most other sectors are closed. If the petition reaches 10,000 signatures, the government will respond; at 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.
