UK supermarkets may extend Sunday opening hours under new government proposals

The Government is reportedly considering relaxing Sunday trading rules for large shops

Major retailers throughout the UK might soon extend their Sunday opening hours following potential changes currently under consideration by government officials. Shops could be permitted to remain open for extended periods on Sundays if the proposed alterations receive approval.

Easing current trading regulations has been unofficially suggested by Treasury insiders as Labour confronts criticism regarding business rates overhauls anticipated for next year, according to The Grocer, reports the MEN.

Present legislation restricts large retailers exceeding 280 square metres in England to operating for just six continuous hours between 10am and 6pm on Sundays, with mandatory closure on Easter Sunday and Christmas Day.

Smaller establishments below 280 square metres remain unaffected by these limitations and may trade at any time on Sundays.

Government ministers have enacted legislation enabling them to implement an increased business rate multiplier on properties valued at £500,000 or above. This strategy aims to subsidise reduced rates for smaller enterprises.

An insider informed The Grocer that modifications to Sunday trading regulations remain uncertain. They commented: "At the moment there are no firm plans – it's much more a case of people flying kites.

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"We've been down this path at least three times before and each time we have seen a similar pattern of events and the same outcome. There will be some retailers who are strongly in favour of this and others opposed.

"Under the Conservatives perhaps the deciding factor for the plans not going ahead came from those in the party who wanted Sunday to be kept special. With Labour the big fly in the ointment is likely to be the unions."

This follows businesses grappling with increased expenses after employer National Insurance contributions rose from 13.8% to 15% in April, whilst the earnings threshold dropped from £9,100 annually to £5,000.

Additionally, minimum wage rates have increased for workers aged 21 and above from £11.44 per hour to £12.21 per hour, from £8.60 per hour to £10 per hour for those aged 18 to 20, and from £6.40 per hour to £7.55 per hour for under-18s and apprentices.

Numerous major supermarket chains, including Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury's, have penned an open letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, cautioning that escalating costs would lead to redundancies, increased inflation, and store closures.

The Government has previously stated the tax increases were necessary to prevent reductions to public services, and the minimum wage rise would deliver greater benefits for younger workers and apprentices.