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22/03/2012
Sunday Trading Restrictions To Be Suspended
Sunday trading restrictions will be suspended during the 8 weeks of the Olympics, starting July 22, the government has revealed.
George Osborne proposed in his Budget yesterday that emergency legislation should be implemented to allow large shops in England and Wales to trade for more than six hours.
"When millions of visitors come to Britain... we don't want to hang up a closed for business sign," he told MPs.
The idea has meet with criticism though. Campaign group Keep Sunday Special called the plan "profoundly worrying", and shopworkers' union Usdaw warned that its members "vehemently opposed" the idea.
John Hannett, Usdaw general secretary said: "The government's own consultation just last year showed there is no widespread support from either retailers or the general public for change.
"Deregulation would have a very detrimental impact on the lives of millions of shopworkers.
"Shopworkers are entitled for their views to be heard before any decisions of this importance are made."
Ministers though hope to see the proposals passed by Easter.
"It would be a great shame - particularly when some of the big Olympic events are on Sunday - if the country had a closed for business sign on it," Osborne told BBC One’s Andrew Marr Show.
Shadow chancellor Ed Balls said there should be proper consultation and careful consideration before implementing change.
"George's people have told the newspapers this is an experiment to change it for the future, breaking up centuries of tradition," he said.
By temporarily suspending these rules, the government hopes visitors heading to London for the Olympics will take advantage of longer opening hours, boosting flagging retail figures.
The Treasury is expected to closely monitor the suspension's effects and has not ruled out a permanent change.
(H)
George Osborne proposed in his Budget yesterday that emergency legislation should be implemented to allow large shops in England and Wales to trade for more than six hours.
"When millions of visitors come to Britain... we don't want to hang up a closed for business sign," he told MPs.
The idea has meet with criticism though. Campaign group Keep Sunday Special called the plan "profoundly worrying", and shopworkers' union Usdaw warned that its members "vehemently opposed" the idea.
John Hannett, Usdaw general secretary said: "The government's own consultation just last year showed there is no widespread support from either retailers or the general public for change.
"Deregulation would have a very detrimental impact on the lives of millions of shopworkers.
"Shopworkers are entitled for their views to be heard before any decisions of this importance are made."
Ministers though hope to see the proposals passed by Easter.
"It would be a great shame - particularly when some of the big Olympic events are on Sunday - if the country had a closed for business sign on it," Osborne told BBC One’s Andrew Marr Show.
Shadow chancellor Ed Balls said there should be proper consultation and careful consideration before implementing change.
"George's people have told the newspapers this is an experiment to change it for the future, breaking up centuries of tradition," he said.
By temporarily suspending these rules, the government hopes visitors heading to London for the Olympics will take advantage of longer opening hours, boosting flagging retail figures.
The Treasury is expected to closely monitor the suspension's effects and has not ruled out a permanent change.
(H)
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06 July 2006
Sunday trading laws to remain the same
There is to be no change to current Sunday shopping hours, Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling has announced. The Sunday Trading Act 1994 limits the opening of large shops - those shops over 280 sq m/3,000 sq ft - in England and Wales to only six continual hours between 10am and 6pm. Larger shops must also close on Easter Sunday.
Sunday trading laws to remain the same
There is to be no change to current Sunday shopping hours, Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling has announced. The Sunday Trading Act 1994 limits the opening of large shops - those shops over 280 sq m/3,000 sq ft - in England and Wales to only six continual hours between 10am and 6pm. Larger shops must also close on Easter Sunday.
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High Levels Of Air Pollution In England And Wales
Public Health England (PHE) scientists are issuing advice for parts of England and Wales. In the last few days, a combination of local emissions, light winds, pollution from the continent and dust blown over from the Sahara caused a spike in the UK Air Quality Index compiled by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
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Bank Of England Holds Interest Rate
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26 November 2013
Ofgem Highly Critical Of Energy Industry
Energy regulator Ofgem have strongly criticised the UK's big energy suppliers, saying that there was a "deep mistrust of anything the energy companies do or say".
Ofgem Highly Critical Of Energy Industry
Energy regulator Ofgem have strongly criticised the UK's big energy suppliers, saying that there was a "deep mistrust of anything the energy companies do or say".
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
