A SHOPWORKERS trade union has called on a Belfast council committee not to revisit plans to extend Sunday trading hours in the city.
Usdaw, whose members mostly work in the retail sector, said it is both "surprising and disappointing" that the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of Belfast City Council will reopen the debate on the designation of Belfast city centre as a 'holiday resort' at its meeting today.
Last May councillors overwhelmingly voted (12-3) against designation, despite a public consultation finding that 60 per cent of people are in favour of the change, which would allow large shops (3,000 st ft or bigger) – which are currently restricted to a 1pm-6pm shopping window every Sunday – to open all hours on 18 Sundays between March and September.
Usdaw general secretary John Hannett said it is a fruitless exercise rerunning the debate and believes holding a further consultation would simply be a "waste of council time and resources".
“There has been no change in the public mood, economic situation or impact on our members, their colleagues and communities over the last nine months," he said.
Area organiser at Usdaw's Belfast office, Michaela Lafferty believes the current Sunday trading arrangements are a "fair compromise".
“Our members remain absolutely opposed to extended Sunday trading. The number one reason for their opposition is the detrimental effect this would have on their family life. They cite real concerns about the additional pressure they would come under to work on Sundays if shops are open longer."
At today's meeting the council committee will seek approval to further consult the public on their attitudes to Sunday opening hours. Any designation for Belfast as a 'holiday resort' must be done by resolution of the council, but only after a consultation process.
It is proposed that the council undertake a further six week consultation from today, February 16 to March 31 before another vote is taken among members, possibly at the May 1 full council meeting. If approved the designation could conceivably take effect from June 1.
Previously Sinn Féin, the DUP and the SDLP have all been united in their opposition to the plans, as has the trade body Retail NI. The Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce is strongly behind the proposals and believe the changes would "positively benefit trade in the city, which would have a cumulative effect across the whole of Northern Ireland".
