Families would be put under increased pressure by Government plans to liberalise Sunday trading, The Christian Institute has warned officials.
Humphrey Dobson, Deputy Director at the Institute, met with civil servants from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to explain the serious and widespread concerns.
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Longer hours
Last month a survey of adults in England and Wales showed that three in five people agree that shop workers will be forced to work longer hours if the law changes.
The results of the survey, commissioned by the Association of Convenience Stores, also showed just 13 per cent felt there is not enough time to shop on a Sunday under the current rules.
… it will lead to more Christians being forced to choose between their faith and their job
Humphrey Dobson
The Christian Institute has accused the Government of breaking its promise on the issue, as the Keep Sunday Special campaign was told ahead of the General Election that the Conservatives had “no current plans to relax the Sunday trading laws”.
Day of rest
Director Colin Hart said: “Extended Sunday trading impacts not just shop assistants, but lorry drivers, cleaners, security guards and a whole host of other workers.
“Christian employees already receive inadequate protection from the current laws and these plans make things worse.
“There is no doubt that liberalising Sunday trading will lead to more pressure on people to work on Sundays, harming family life and further interfering with Sunday as a day of rest.”
