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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think that when this is all over, we should restrict Sunday trading again.

161 replies

TheoriginalLEM · 13/04/2020 09:00

Just that really. Sunday's used to be special because all but the corner shop was closed and it encouraged an actual break. Now the weekends are gone in a flash and we're back on the treadmill.

This situation is making me reflective and wanting to slow down.

OP posts:
araiwa · 13/04/2020 09:02

Feel free not to do anything on a sunday

But i will carry on thanks

GreyishDays · 13/04/2020 09:02

No one makes you go shopping on a Sunday!

FlamingoAndJohn · 13/04/2020 09:03

No. The economy will need all it can get.

Sundays in the 70s and 80s were as dull as all fuck.

Original poster
TheoriginalLEM · 13/04/2020 09:04

No but they make retail workers work.

OP posts:
MooseBreath · 13/04/2020 09:04

No thanks, I believe Sunday closures are archaic and, frankly, silly. If you like, you can restrict your family to doing nothing on Sundays, but as I am not religious and am often far too busy during the week, I would like to continue on Sundays like the rest of the world.

Parkandride · 13/04/2020 09:05

Fine when you're working from home and not chasing your kids around with school and activities all week. But when it's back to reality an extra day to get stuff done will sound more appealing

ThursdayLastWeek · 13/04/2020 09:05

I totally agree.

It’s not like pubs and gardens and other leisure things won’t be open. Just shut the shops.

Suzanne12 · 13/04/2020 09:07

No way, what about people who are only off on Sundays so rely on that day to get their shopping done? Also some retail workers would prefer to work Sundays and have the day off in the week. You can take your Sundays as slow as you like but that doesn't mean everyone should have to.

Ponoka7 · 13/04/2020 09:08

I was against Sunday trading but work has changed since then. There's more flexibility to be off during the week and not want to spend it doing shopping. As well as the nature of shopping has changed.

Although i was disgusted that my DD stores were still opening today. I think retail staff should have been rewarded with two days off.

There's many people that want weekend work.

Giganticshark · 13/04/2020 09:09

No one makes me work on a Sunday. I enjoy working Sunday evening. I can opt out if I wish. A simple form online and I'll never have to work on a Sunday again.
Don't feel sorry for me. It's a day I can work and my partner can spend time alone with our kids

Rezie · 13/04/2020 09:09

I'm actually suprised that it is as restricted as it is. Sunday is a great day to do shopping. Wouldn't mind if another day like tuesday or something the shops were closed.

bakedbeanzontoast · 13/04/2020 09:11

God no. The shops would be even more rammed than usual on a Saturday. I think the 6 hour trading thing needs abolished if anything.

Viviennemary · 13/04/2020 09:13

No. Shops closed on a Sunday. Nightmare. I'd like to see them open longer.

LisaSimpsonsbff · 13/04/2020 09:14

This situation is making me reflective and wanting to slow down.

Then do? Why do you want to legislate other people to do the same? Do you not have the willpower to not go in a shop if it happens to be open?

Seriouslyastounded · 13/04/2020 09:14

Absolutely not. They should be open normal hours tbh.

brachiosaurusdance · 13/04/2020 09:16

They don’t make retailers work. Most retail staff want to work on a Sunday. I used to wish the hours were open the same as a Saturday as working Sunday was a better day for me but meant I had to earn less.

HelloJohnGotANewMotor · 13/04/2020 09:18

I rarely shop on a Sunday because the bus service is so poor. I would hate it however if Sunday trading were to cease. It would turn Sundays back into the miserable day it was in my childhood when it felt like all you could do was go to mass and do your homework. Occasionally a car-sick journey to see a maiden aunt.
Keep Sundays happy! Keep them buzzing!
(I worked Sundays for years- not in retail admittedly- and I loved it. Time and a quarter pay, plus a day off in the week that felt like a real treat because everyone else was at work.)

MockersxxxxxxxSocialDistancing · 13/04/2020 09:19

Time to end the anachronistic and discriminatory rules on enforced Sabbatarianism, subject to guarantees of workers' rights to time off.

squiglet111 · 13/04/2020 09:19

Most people that work during the week can only shop on weekends, so by taking away the Sunday would make it a whole lot worse for everyone.

Bezalelle · 13/04/2020 09:19

You could always just not shop on a Sunday. I observe the Jewish sabbath, and switch off between Friday evening and Saturday evening. No shopping, etc. You don't need the whole system to change for you to implement some tweaks in your own routine.

MigginsMs · 13/04/2020 09:20

YABU, English Sunday opening hours are complete shit.

SomewhereNow · 13/04/2020 09:20

I think it should be one way or another - either close them completely or open normal hours. It’s infuriating having to cram in shopping before 4pm and serves no purpose that I can see.

Winesalot · 13/04/2020 09:20

As a student I relied on weekend trading for work. As an adult working full time during the week, weekend trading meant I could still doing shopping because I would work late in the week. And Sundays meant the Saturday’s weren’t so packed that it was impossible to get into a changing room. And now I work Saturdays as well so I need Sunday trading.

I think that as long as those who want their weekend free get to choose their work week, Sunday trading is fine. I think it should not be the restricted hours it is even now for supermarkets.

Dyrne · 13/04/2020 09:20

If the shops were closed on a Sunday people would still have to work - the shops would use that time to restock, deep clean etc; just like they do currently (staff don’t go home at 4pm on a Sunday now!)

Closing at 4pm is archaic anyway - the big supermarkets have already got round the loophole by bringing in the “Local/Express” etc stores, so it’s pointless. The world doesn’t work Mon-Fri 9-5 any more.

orangejuicer · 13/04/2020 09:21

Hmm. Maybe Sunday shopping suits some people who work shifts or odd times. Like, I don't know, NHS workers.