Government Considers Deregulating Trading Laws Despite Abuse Concerns

  • 92% of shopworkers oppose longer Sunday working hours
  • Government considers deregulating Sunday trading laws
  • 66% of retail staff feel pressured to work on Sundays, 51% want fewer hours, 3% want more
  • Usdaw general secretary calls plans ‘misguided and a slap in the face’
  • Over 90% of members already work on Sundays, two-thirds under pressure to do so
  • One in six shopworkers abused on every shift during pandemic
  • 4% of employees assaulted, over 3,500 daily retail worker assaults

A recent survey by shopworkers’ trade union Usdaw reveals that 92% of retail staff in England are against large shops opening for more than six hours on Sundays. The government is considering changing trading laws to allow supermarkets to operate 24/7, but Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis criticizes the move as ‘misguided’ and a ‘slap in the face’ for key workers already under pressure due to COVID-19. He suggests focusing on supporting retail sector employees instead of extending hours. The union also highlights that one in six shopworkers faces abuse daily, with 62% experiencing verbal abuse and nearly a third being threatened by customers.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about the survey results and opinions from the shopworkers trade union. It also includes relevant statistics on abuse faced by retail staff during the pandemic.
Noise Level: 7
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about the opinions of retail staff on extended Sunday trading hours and highlights the concerns of shopworkers. However, it contains some repetitive statements and could benefit from more in-depth analysis or exploration of alternative viewpoints.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Retail sector
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the government’s consideration of deregulating Sunday trading laws, which could impact the retail sector and potentially affect retail companies’ operations and employees. This has financial implications for both the companies and their workers.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article. The situation described involves concerns and issues related to retail workers’ rights, working conditions, and safety during the pandemic.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk