Overview

This bill temporarily suspends restrictions on Sunday trading hours in England and Wales for the duration of the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games, allowing larger shops to open for longer periods on Sundays. It also includes provisions to protect the rights of employees who may object to working on Sundays.

Description

The bill temporarily suspends the restrictions on Sunday trading hours imposed by the Sunday Trading Act 1994. This suspension applies between Sunday, July 22nd, and Sunday, September 9th, 2012. While large shops are permitted to open longer hours, restrictions on loading and unloading goods on Sunday mornings remain in place. The bill also addresses the rights of shop workers who wish to opt out of Sunday work. Employees giving notice to opt out before July 9th, 2012 will have a notice period ending either two months from notice submission, or Saturday, July 21st, 2012. If an employee specifies their objection to Sunday work is only for the suspension period, they are automatically considered to have opted back in after that period ends. The changes to Sunday trading hours and employee rights will automatically expire immediately after the suspension period.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to significantly impact government spending. It primarily affects the regulatory environment and business practices. No specific figures are provided in the text.

Groups Affected

• Large Shops: Allowed to open for longer hours on Sundays during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. This could lead to increased sales and revenue.
• Shop Workers: Given options to opt-out of Sunday work with provisions to ensure that their rights are protected during the suspension period, and for a short time afterwards.
• Customers: May experience greater convenience with increased shopping hours during the games period.

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