Usdaw will campaign against Belfast City Council’s decision on Sunday trading

Addressing conference delegates in Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, Paddy Lillis – Usdaw general secretary said: “As a result of Belfast City Council's further attacks on our members' right to a Sunday rest, it is deeply unfortunate that this issue is again at the top of the agenda. Last year, as we have done on so many other occasions, Usdaw forced the Council into a U-turn on plans to deregulate Sundays. We demonstrated, yet again, that the current provisions have the support of over 90% of the workforce, along with the majority of the general public. However, despite defeating their attempts in 2017, again in 2020 and once again in 2024, last week, the Council voted once again on deregulating Sunday Trading in the City.

“Usdaw is now concerned that this pilot scheme could be the thin end of the wedge, developing into all day Sunday opening, not just in Belfast, but across Northern Ireland. The Council has announced that they will shortly be launching a consultation period on the proposal and let me be clear, Usdaw will continue to voice our opposition right throughout the consultation period. Over the next few weeks, Usdaw will be asking all retail members in Northern Ireland to send us their views on Sunday Trading and we will be asking members in Belfast to contact their Councillors to outline their opposition to the changes.

“Over the course of many years, we have continually made a difference on Sunday Trading. This difference has meant that members in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have guaranteed rest at the end of the week, guaranteed time to recuperate from the stresses of work and guaranteed time to share with family and loved ones. Usdaw will always understand how important this time is for our members and we will always remain committed to protecting it.”