Union Slams Proposed Sunday Trading Deregulation
- Usdaw opposes government plans for supermarkets to open full time on Sundays
- Shopworkers already under pressure due to Covid-19 pandemic
- Union reveals one in six shop workers faced abuse during pandemic
- 4% of employees assaulted, over 3,500 daily retail worker assaults
The shopworkers union Usdaw has criticized the government’s proposal to allow supermarkets to operate for 24 hours on Sundays, stating it as a ‘slap in the face’ for key workers. The government is considering changing trading laws to extend Sunday opening times to six hours to boost the economy. Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis expressed concern about increased pressure on shopworkers and childcare issues. He also wrote to business secretary Alok Sharma, urging the government to focus on improving pay and job security for retail workers instead of deregulating Sunday trading hours. The union’s survey revealed that one in six shopworkers faced abuse during the pandemic, 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 union’s concerns regarding extended Sunday trading hours for supermarkets and highlights the challenges faced by shopworkers during the pandemic. It includes relevant statistics and quotes from the union’s general secretary.
Noise Level: 2
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about the concerns of shopworkers’ union regarding government plans to extend supermarket opening hours on Sundays and highlights the challenges faced by retail employees during the pandemic. It also includes statistics on abuse experienced by shopworkers. However, it lacks in-depth analysis or solutions for addressing these issues.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Supermarkets and retail industry
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the potential impact of changing trading hours on supermarkets, which can affect their operations and revenue. This could have financial implications for these companies and potentially impact the retail industry as a whole.
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 about working conditions and safety of shopworkers, but it’s not considered an extreme event.
www.retailsector.co.uk