With MPs back in their constituencies for the summer recess, retailers are being urged to get in contact and explain the negative impact of proposed changes to Sunday Trading regulations on their business.

A consultation on the issue is also due to be published imminently.

Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) chief executive James Lowman said: “The existing Sunday Trading regulations are a small but crucial advantage for thousands of convenience stores who are operating on very tight margins, many of which are on the edge of profitability.

“It is essential that retailers outline the damage that removing Sunday Trading rules could have on their business by writing to their local MP and asking them to raise the issue with the Prime Minister.”

National Federation of Retail Newsagents (NFRN) chief executive Paul Baxter also urged retailers to engage with their MPs.

“We are disappointed that the government feels these changes are necessary, however we will not accept them willingly,” he said.

“It is crucial that retailers let their MP know how much of an impact changes to Sunday Trading hours will have on their business. We cannot let them go blindly into this most important of decisions.”

The Chancellor outlined plans to devolve powers on Sunday Trading to local authorities in the Budget.

Retailers who wish to write to their local MPs can do so using a template letter available to download  here.

 

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