Voting in favour of loosening the rules on Sunday trading, with 33 votes ‘pour’ and 11 ‘contre’, States Members moved to give all businesses the option of opening the whole weekend after what was described as a “thoughtful” exchange of views.
Before this vote, shops below a certain size were allowed to open on a Sunday if they had permission from the Constable of their parish – but the decision will make trading seven days a week an option for the larger stores and big supermarkets.
Pictured: All shops will now have the option of opening on a Sunday.
Under a successful proposition by Minister for Economic Development Lyndon Farnham, businesses will still have to seek an annual permit to allow them to open between 10:00 and 16:00 on all regular Sundays – excluding Christmas or Boxing Day even if they fall on a Sunday.
Costing £120, the permits would be available on an annual basis and expire on 31 December.
During the debate, those speaking in favour of the proposal generally argued that loosening the regulations will give consumers choice and convenience.
Pictured: The vote will mainly affect larger supermarkets and other stores.
Those against advanced arguments about protecting Sunday as a family day, matters of religious observance and concerns that those working in the retail sector would be forced to work seven days a week.
The #StatesAssembly has voted to ADOPT @LyndonFarnham‘s proposition to allow larger shops to open on Sundays throughout the year (and
not just on limited Sundays). This means shops with sales areas of above 700sq2 can open for 6 hrs on Sundays. RESULT: 33 FOR vs. 11 AGAINST pic.twitter.com/bXC3IPiuiR— States Assembly (@StatesAssembly) October 23, 2019
IN TWEETS: Highlights from the debate…
The Minister for Economic Dev., Tourism, Sport & Culture @LyndonFarnham has
proposed Regs that would allow larger shops to open on Sundays throughout the year (and not just on limited Sundays). Smaller shops are already able to
open on Sundays. #StatesAssembly#JerseyCI— States Assembly (@StatesAssembly) October 22, 2019
The Deputy of St Ouen says that in England & Wales, employees can opt-out of Sun working. He says they can give 3 months notice to their employer who mustn’t reject that notice nor treat them detrimentally due to not working on a Sun. He says this isn’t the case in #JerseyCI law
— States Assembly (@StatesAssembly) October 22, 2019
Deputy @JessePerchard asks what consideration has been given to children and families when considering Sunday-trading Regulations. She says “we can’t justify” making it more difficult for families to spend quality and developmental time together. #StatesAssembly
— States Assembly (@StatesAssembly) October 22, 2019
.@DeputyTadier questions why Sunday should be a protected day when we don’t offer protected days for the Jewish or Muslim communities in #JerseyCI. #StatesAssembly
— States Assembly (@StatesAssembly) October 22, 2019
.@DeputyTadier says the tourism industry wants to see Sunday trading and that “in reality, we all buy things on Sundays.” He recommends retail employees join a trade union if they are worried about their rights. #StatesAssembly
— States Assembly (@StatesAssembly) October 22, 2019
The Dean (church representative) is speaking to the #StatesAssembly. He says this is being driven by the retail industry. He congratulates @JessePerchard on raising the issue of children & young people & advises the Assembly to “reflect on what this will do to family life.”
— States Assembly (@StatesAssembly) October 22, 2019
Senator Sam Mézec says there are two issues: 1. Should people have the right to shop on a Sunday? & 2. Should people be compelled to work on a Sunday? He says these are both flawed. He wants to look at workers’ rights issues, abolish zero hour contracts & increase wages.
— States Assembly (@StatesAssembly) October 22, 2019
.@innagardiner speaks anecdotally about people in retail/restaurants who would rather work on Sun & have Mon+Tue off to spend with their children, not having to pay for childcare. She says there are different ways of living & that the Mon-Fri working pattern doesn’t apply to all
— States Assembly (@StatesAssembly) October 22, 2019
1/2. Constable @len_norman says it is like the #StatesAssembly is “being asked to vote for the end of the world.” He says every shop under 700sq2 already has the option to open on a Sun with permission from the Constable. He asks, “why do shops open on a Sunday?” He says it’s…
— States Assembly (@StatesAssembly) October 22, 2019
2/2. because the “consumer wants them to open” to buy from them. He says Sun is @CI_Coop Locals’ busiest day for sales – the public is making that demand. He says “if there weren’t demand, they wouldn’t open” & that there’s a waiting list of staff wanting to work on Sundays.
— States Assembly (@StatesAssembly) October 22, 2019
Constable @SimonCrowcroft of @StHelierJsy says that States Members should declare their shareholder interests in small and medium sized retailers. The Bailiff has said he doesn’t think this is necessary but he is happy if Members want to volunteer this information #StatesAssembly
— States Assembly (@StatesAssembly) October 23, 2019
Deputy @KirstenJersey says, “We want to have a thriving economy, yet we shackle those who are trying to thrive.” He says, “That we are more willing to help @amazon than we are local supermarkets and local garden centres defies belief.” #JerseyCI
— States Assembly (@StatesAssembly) October 23, 2019
1/2. Constable @SimonCrowcroft of @StHelierJsy tells the #StatesAssembly that @JerseyBusiness reports a strong demand from local students who want employment opportunities on weekends, including Sundays. He says it’s viewed as an important part of a child’s development…
— States Assembly (@StatesAssembly) October 23, 2019
2/2. i.e. self-reliance, team building, confidence, uni applications & life-long customer service skills. He says there are calls for direct links with retailers to set-up this demand. #StatesAssembly@SimonCrowcroft@StHelierJsy
— States Assembly (@StatesAssembly) October 23, 2019
Constable @SimonCrowcroft also speaks of members of the public who told him they were “upset, offended and astonished” by the “ill-informed assumptions of members yesterday.” #StatesAssembly#JerseyCI
— States Assembly (@StatesAssembly) October 23, 2019
Deputy Truscott says Sun-trading is all about “choice” & “fairness”, & tells the #StatesAssembly shops wouldn’t have to open on Suns as the decision will be left to retailers. He says Sun-trading is important for tourism & assisting @VisitJerseyCI to bring tourists to #JerseyCI
— States Assembly (@StatesAssembly) October 23, 2019
Dep @KevinPamplin says Sunday trading will “encourage economic growth” and “give a chance to the industry to be competitive” with online businesses. He says that the “current policy of forcing certain sized retailers to close on Sundays is unjustified” #StatesAssembly#JerseyCI
— States Assembly (@StatesAssembly) October 23, 2019
Dep Gregory Guida urges the #StatesAssembly to vote for @lyndonfarnham‘s Sunday trading proposition, saying that 10% of retailer turnover is achieved each day of the week, apart from on Saturdays when they achieve 50% of their turnover. He says Sunday trading will be beneficial.
— States Assembly (@StatesAssembly) October 23, 2019
Senator @Ian_Gorst says he “fundamentally” believes in the “freedom of choice” and points out that @lyndonfarnham says he will keep Sunday trading under review if passed by the #StatesAssembly. He asks Senator Farnham to ensure protections for workers are put in place.
— States Assembly (@StatesAssembly) October 23, 2019
The Minister @lyndonfarnham responds saying Sunday trading is already a reality in our society and that it’s well established. He says it’s successful, provides work for people who want to earn extra money or go shopping, and that it acts as an economic cushion for retailers.
— States Assembly (@StatesAssembly) October 23, 2019