Brits could see major supermarket change as Labour floats new opening hours for one day

Supermarkets might be permitted to remain open for extended hours on Sundays under proposals reportedly under consideration by Labour ministers.

Current regulations stipulate that large retailers exceeding 280 square metres in England may only trade for six continuous hours between 10am and 6pm on Sundays and must remain closed on Easter Sunday and Christmas Day. Smaller establishments under 280 square metres are excluded from these limitations and may operate at any time on Sundays.

The Grocer reveals that Treasury sources have unofficially discussed easing Sunday trading regulations for supermarkets, as Labour confronts criticism over business rates reforms anticipated for next year.

Ministers have enacted legislation enabling them to implement a higher business rate multiplier on properties valued at £500,000 or above for rental purposes, raising concerns among supermarket chains that their superstores could take a hit.

The proposal aims to subsidise reduced rates for smaller enterprises, reports the Mirror. One source informed The Grocer that alterations to Sunday trading regulations are far from certain.

They commented: "At the moment there are no firm plans - it's much more a case of people flying kites.

"We've been down this path at least three times before and each time we have seen a similar pattern of events and the same outcome. There will be some retailers who are strongly in favour of this and others opposed.

"Under the Conservatives perhaps the deciding factor for the plans not going ahead came from those in the party who wanted Sunday to be kept special. With Labour the big fly in the ointment is likely to be the unions."

Businesses are grappling with increased costs after the rate of National Insurance paid by employers was raised from 13.8% to 15% in April, while the earnings threshold was reduced from £9,100 per year to £5,000.

In addition, the minimum wage has also risen. The minimum wage for workers aged 21 and over has jumped from £11.44 an hour to £12.21 an hour, from £8.60 an hour to £10 an hour for those aged 18 to 20, and from £6.40 an hour to £7.55 an hour for under-18s and apprentices.

Several large supermarket chains, including Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury's, have penned an open letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, cautioning that escalating costs could lead to job losses, heightened inflation, and shop closures.

The government has previously stated that the tax increases were necessary to prevent cuts to public services, and the rise in the minimum wage would offer a significant boost for younger workers and apprentices.