Bill to suspend Sunday trading laws during Olympics and Paralympics gains Royal Assent

The Bill suspending Sunday trading laws during the Olympic and Paralympic Games received Royal Assent today.

Under the legislation, shops with a relevant floor area of more than 280 square metres will not be subject to current Sunday trading restrictions during the Games.

The suspension will last for eight Sundays, from 22 July until the end of the Paralympic Games on 9 September.

Current Sunday trading restrictions will then come back into force.

The suspension will apply in England and Wales. Scotland does not have Sunday trading legislation, while it is not proposed to alter Northern Ireland’s legislation.

The Government tabled an amendment which reduces the usual period of notice – from three months to two – that employees must give their employers if they want to opt out of Sunday working.

Business Minister Mark Prisk said: “Retail workers will keep all their legal protections, such as the right to opt-out of Sunday working, but many will want to take the opportunity to work extra or different hours. I want employers to work with their staff so that we can all make the most of the Olympics.

“I want to make it clear that this is a temporary measure and not a test case for a permanent relaxation of the rules in the future.”