The move for Sunday shopping must be reversed immediately
Tuesday 26th July 2011, 2:18PM BST.
From Gerald Voisin.
THE recent decision by the States to allow all shops over 700 square metres to open on a Sunday is the greatest attack on this Island’s way of life and culture that I have ever witnessed.
The decision taken last week is completely contrary to the previously stated position to allow only small shops to open. It is a total betrayal of the 8,000 workers in the retail and supply industry (16 per cent of the Island’s workforce), it is contrary to States economic policy to encourage industries to be more efficient, and it is totally at odds with States policy to discourage excessive immigration by regulating job creation.
For those who are not familiar with areas, 700 square metres (or 7,535 square feet) is a large shop, especially by Jersey standards, and covers the vast majority of Island shops. For example, in King Street only five (possibly six) shops exceed this size.
I have absolutely no doubt that the UK chains will already be working on their applications for a Sunday trading permit, and the Constable will almost certainly be obliged to grant them all – he can only refuse such an application if he is satisfied that the shop will cause unacceptable disturbance to the residents in the area.
As more shops open, those less inclined to trade will be forced to open to retain their market share.
At a stroke, the States have created a potential demand for many thousands of hours of additional labour. Where will these workers come from? Or will the existing workforce be expected to work longer hours?
I thought we wanted to adopt policies that did not stimulate population growth.
Senator Norman is reported to have claimed in the debate that some retailers who currently open on a Sunday had a waiting list of people wishing to work. That may be so now because only a few food and convenience shops are allowed to open, but as more shops open and the demand for Sunday labour grows, this small band of volunteers will soon be exhausted, and as demand for labour outstrips supply, wage inflation will return, leading to a subsequent increase in Island inflation – something that we have been fighting for years.
But the States Assembly conveniently forgot about that last week.
Another policy they simply ignored, or forgot about, is the economic growth policy to encourage industries to be more efficient. Moving to seven-day trading simply spreads business over seven days instead of six days, as at present. (This was one of the findings after ten years of deregulation in the UK.)
It is a waste of the Island’s valuable resources to take an extra day to generate the same business, and Island retailers need to be competitive more than ever because customers simply shop online if they can’t find the right product at the right price in Jersey.
I do not understand why members of Economic Development and the Treasury did not speak forcefully against the amendment to increase the size of shops allowed to open, let alone actually vote for it.
States policy has always been to restrict trading on a Sunday to maintain it as a special day when families could do things together if they chose.
The States undertook consultation on Sunday trading in 2006 and 2007, which showed that while people saw the value of allowing some shops to open, the consensus was that Sunday trading should be restricted to small shops opening restricted hours.
All the consultation from the Economic Development department was on the basis of keeping Sunday special, with limited opening of small shops, and the law approved in 2009 and the regulations approved last week work on the assumption that all shops would close on a Sunday.
It is, therefore, illogical to establish the principle in the law that all shops will remain closed on a Sunday, only for the regulations to allow all shops over 7,535 square feet to be granted a license to trade, when that covers the vast majority of shops.
At no time was there ever a view expressed during consultation that the Island should move to allow general trading on a Sunday. Indeed, public consultation revealed the opposite. But general Sunday trading for shops is precisely what the regulations adopted last week will achieve.
Finally, I thought it was despicable that Members could not be bothered to stay in the Chamber for the debate, which had to be stopped twice because the Assembly was inquorate. That is a disgraceful way to treat the 8,000 people whose lives will be affected by the outcome of the debate.
This is a dreadful decision and must be reversed before it is too late.
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“At a stroke, the States have created a potential demand for many thousands of hours of additional labour. Where will these workers come from? Or will the existing workforce be expected to work longer hours?”
Dude, there are 1400 people registered unemployed.
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I have to agree that sunday trading is not something l would support generally, not on economic grounds but it is very important that society has a day of reflection on a regular basis.
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Never thought I would see the day where I would be in full agreemet with Gerald Voisin.
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It’s about time too… please Mr Voisin join us in the 21st century!
I’m sick of Jersey shop keepers moaning…. if you want to complete with on-line retailers then be competitive!
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While i agree that this will spread the spend of LOCAL customers over the week this will allow for more custom from the TOURISTS.
For years tourists have been coming to Jersey either on a day out or a week end and on the Sunday walk aimlessly up and down the high street with no major shops open.
It is up to the retailer to want to open on Sunday and if they decide its not worth it then they won’t open.
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8000 retail employees (“16% of working population”) versus 92000 rest of population (remaining 84%?)…….that would be a minority then
Emergency personnel work on weekends….why not retail (banks even have to work on bank holidays believe it or not Mr Voisin)?
The high street has to be more competitive against online stores and not creating it’s own obstacles.
Weekend tourists will spend more (and have something to do in inclement weather).
Plenty of employment opportunities for unemployed, students, elderly who do not wish to retire, others who wish to supplement income or only require minimal hours…….bonus!
Personally, I couldn’t care less if the store in Jersey only opened 1 day a week……the service, choice and prices are unsatisfactory compared to online.
For once I think the States are actually doing what the majority of the population would like…..
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Sundays in Jersey are already a nightmare with too many people out and about trying to enjoy themselves. Everywhere is choc-a-bloc.
Anything which keeps more of them tied down at a workplace has got to be a good idea. We just need some way of keeping pesky kids corralled as well!
The island is far more bearable during the working week. Sunday is traditionally associated with heaven but in reality it is hell. Just think of the recent Green Island parking fiasco for example.
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Come on The Artful Dodger! Sour Grapes City! Your too tight to pay for an extra days wages? Tough, I agree with previous comments who say tourists will love the opportunity to shop on a Sunday, after all there is nowt else to do! Also some people who work Saturdays will welcome the chance to shop on a quieter day when there are less crowds, I for one do not work Saturdays (have worked Saturday and Sunday in the past and had no problem with this) and hate the crowds of slow moving people half asleep on a Saturday so it will be better. However I do my big ticket items on the Internet as its quicker, more choice and very much cheaper
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J-Cat quoted Gerald Voisin.“At a stroke, the States have created a potential demand for many thousands of hours of additional labour. Where will these workers come from? Or will the existing workforce be expected to work longer hours?”
Then commented “Dude, there are 1400 people registered unemployed.”
Awsome response; it’s a pity more people didn’t have thier finger on the pulse.
Changing the Sunday Trading Law will create more employment and a chance to improve the island’s economy. For once the States get it right.
‘Islands in Danger’ a.k.a. Blue Knight.
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THE recent decision by the States to allow all shops over 700 square metres to open on a Sunday is the greatest attack on this Island’s way of life and culture that I have ever witnessed.”
It is not an “attack” on our way of life, it is simply giving people what they want: Choice. Giving shops the choice to open on a Sunday, giving people choice to work on a Sunday and giving people the choice to shop on a Sunday.
“The decision taken last week is completely contrary to the previously stated position to allow only small shops to open. It is a total betrayal of the 8,000 workers in the retail and supply industry (16 per cent of the Island’s workforce),”
Wow! You should become a politician again if you can tap into and personally vouch for all 8,000 members of the retail industry.
“the Constable will almost certainly be obliged to grant them all – he can only refuse such an application if he is satisfied that the shop will cause unacceptable disturbance to the residents in the area.”
Nonsense. It will be very easy for a constable to refuse permits. Look at the examples with late licensing and pubs being ordered to close early or not have live music because a pitiful handful of residents have complained.
“As more shops open, those less inclined to trade will be forced to open to retain their market share.”
Just because a shop isn’t open on Sunday it does not mean people won’t shop there on Monday if it is convenient to do so and they sell the products you are after. Most shops interested in market share are chains or franchises anyway and the remaining individual boutique stores rely on just that, the fact they sell something not available in other stores… And you work in retail?
“At a stroke, the States have created a potential demand for many thousands of hours of additional labour. Where will these workers come from? Or will the existing workforce be expected to work longer hours?”
Have you been keeping in touch with the latest unemployment figures?
“but as more shops open and the demand for Sunday labour grows, this small band of volunteers will soon be exhausted, and as demand for labour outstrips supply, wage inflation will return, leading to a subsequent increase in Island inflation – something that we have been fighting for years.”
You’ve completely contradicted yourself here with your next comment which effectively says the demand won’t be there to require these extra workers or salary…
“Another policy they simply ignored, or forgot about, is the economic growth policy to encourage industries to be more efficient. Moving to seven-day trading simply spreads business over seven days instead of six days, as at present. (This was one of the findings after ten years of deregulation in the UK.)
It is a waste of the Island’s valuable resources to take an extra day to generate the same business, and Island retailers need to be competitive more than ever because customers simply shop online if they can’t find the right product at the right price in Jersey.”
I tend to agree with your latter prediction so if the demand is the same inflation won’t be affected. If shops feel it’s not worth the overheads they won’t open.
“States policy has always been to restrict trading on a Sunday to maintain it as a special day when families could do things together if they chose.”
Sorry, must have missed the part of this vote where it said “and people shall be forced to work, failure to do so is punishable by death!”
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Gino risoli #2
Excellent wording. Enough to appeal to the spiritual but ambiguous enough not to alienate the pragmatic. Unfortunately the latter don’t need preaching to.
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I think the 8,000 retail workers should join a Union to lok after their interests, and to ensure they are rightly rewarded for the likely changes to their contracts.
On a Sunday I would like to be be able to have my car serviced, to pay money into the bank, to talk to a states department, but I can’t! If Sunday becomes a normal working day fir retail, then every other industry should follow suit for their customers too.
How much more efficient would the Hospital be if they had clinic appointments on Saturdays and Sundays. If operations were done on weekends the waiting lists would surely be shorter. I won’t hold my breath though, finance and public sector workers would kick up a stink! Retail staff, join a Union, or organise a petition! GMB union would take good care of you
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I fail to see why people like shopping. It shows lack of imagination, and those who like shopping often are those who always complain that they have no money.
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“I fail to see why people like shopping. It shows lack of imagination, and those who like shopping often are those who always complain that they have no money.”
If a person works a six day week, Monday to Saturday, the only day he/she can possibly visit a shop or a store is – guess what – S u n d a y .
But nobody cares about them as they are probably poorly paid and their potential purchasing power is sneered at.
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My partner works Monday to Saturday but we still relish our Sundays together in order to catch up with family and friends, have BBQs and do social things together. Shopping on a Sunday is the last thing on our minds!
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