Summer Budget: Deloitte comments on consultation of UK Sunday trading laws

Commenting on a consultation on UK Sunday trading laws, which is expected to be announced tomorrow, Ian Geddes, UK head of retail at Deloitte, said:

“The advent of online retail and e-commerce has conditioned many UK consumers to expect convenience when they shop for goods and services. If, as expected, the Chancellor confirms a consultation on Sunday trading laws in tomorrow’s Budget, it would be a move towards helping align physical retail closer to the services already provided online, which is open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. The majority of consumers will be buoyed by this prospect, as it will meet their demand for greater choice and convenience.

“Should trading laws be relaxed, retailers will have to cope with increased operating costs and the challenge of finding enough staff to work the extra hours. However, longer Sunday trading would enable retailers to provide a more flexible offering that meets customers’ needs.”

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Notes to editors

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