Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
The Bill means that shops with a relevant floor area of more than 280 square metres will not be subject to current Sunday trading restrictions during the Games.
The suspension will only be for eight Sundays, from 22 July to the end of the Paralympic Games on 9 September. After this period the current Sunday trading restrictions will apply again.
Business Minister Mark Prisk said:
This will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase, not just London, but the whole of the country to the rest of the world and provide a boost for the economy, sales and employment.
Retail workers will keep all their legal protections, such as the right to opt-out of Sunday working, but many will want to take the opportunity to work extra or different hours. I want employers to work with their staff so that we can all make the most of the Olympics.
I want to make it clear that this is a temporary measure and not a test case for a permanent relaxation of the rules in the future.
Links
- Read the full press notice: Sunday trading Bill receives Royal Assent for Olympic Games
- Further information on Sunday trading during the London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games
- Guidance for workers on Sunday work and the temporary changes from DirectGov
- Guidance for employers on Sunday working from Business Link