The letter follows on from the City Council’s second consultation on their proposal to designate Belfast district (or the city centre) as a ‘Holiday Resort’, which would allow large shops to extend their Sunday trading hours on up to 18 Sundays in any calendar year between 1 March and 30 September (excluding Easter Sunday). The Strategic Policy and Resources Committee is considering the proposal this Friday 20 April.
John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary and Glyn Roberts, Retail NI Chief Executive said:
“It is our belief, based on firm evidence, that should this proposal be passed, the effects would be detrimental to retail workers, their families, independent retailers and the wider community. Retail workers are already under immense pressure to work long hours with the one respite they have being the legally enforced shorter trading hours on a Sunday which allows them much needed time with their family and friends. In Usdaw’s survey of retail workers, 94% opposed the proposal; two thirds are already under pressure to work on Sundays and almost half have caring responsibilities that they are already struggling to fit around their work.
“Not only would the proposed change place extra pressure on retail workers, it would also have a damaging effect on small independent retailers (below 3000 sq. ft.) who can trade for those vital few hours on a Sunday morning.
“Local independent retailers have seen a 71% hike in their rate bills following the last rates revaluation and continue to struggle to stay in business. This proposal will result in a number of local community independent retailers closing. These are retailers that provide an invaluable community service for many elderly, disabled and people without cars.
“Having been through this process just last year, with a decision taken not to move forward with the proposal, we believe that the key issues are well understood and that there is no evidence of a shift since then in either the mood amongst the public or retail workers, or in the needs of businesses, small or large.
“As part of last year’s consultation, our organisations made clear that we were more than willing to work alongside Belfast City Council and other interested parties to explore options that would deliver a real and meaningful boost to the weekend economy of Belfast. It is incredibly disappointing that rather than organise this ‘weekend summit’, Belfast City Council is instead revisiting the original proposal, a proposal that will not achieve its stated economic aims but will instead worsen the working lives of many retail workers whilst also economically disadvantaging smaller retail businesses.
“Our offer to work together as part of a ‘weekend summit’ still stands and we remain committed to a vibrant and successful Belfast. On behalf of our respective members, we urge Councillors to reject this proposal and to stand up for retail workers and local independent retailers.”
Notes for editors:
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest and the fastest growing trade union with over 430,000 members. Membership has increased by more than 28% over the decade. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.
Retail NI represents over 1700 independent retailers, wholesalers and suppliers and is one of Northern Ireland largest business organisations.
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion