Enforcement of Sunday trading rules temporarily relaxed by Wakefield Council

​Wakefield Council has decided it will not enforce the usual rules on Sunday trading in the district – so that food shopping hours can be extended during the Coronavirus pandemic to allow key workers easier access at weekends.

​Large retailers such as supermarkets are allowed to trade on Sundays for just six hours, normally between 10am and 6pm.

Due to the pandemic the Council has taken a decision to suspend, for the time being, the usual rules for large food businesses so that retailers can trade between 8am and 6pm and will not face a fine or prosecution if they do so.

The only exception will be on Easter Sunday (April 12) when the usual rules will apply and stores must not open at all, as it is recognised as a special day of religious significance in the Christian calendar.

The Council is discussing its change of approach with retailers, including reminding them that employee’s rights must be observed on Sundays.

​Cllr Maureen Cummings, Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Poverty, said: “We’ve taken this action to support shoppers and business owners in our district during these difficult times.

“These changes will give people, including our amazing key workers, more opportunity to do the necessary shopping and to purchase other essential items on Sunday. It will help to spread out the number of customers visiting supermarkets at any one time and to maintain the two metre social distancing rule.

“These new measures will also help retailers to manage their businesses, by giving them more time to re-stock shelves and plan their weekend deliveries.”

The Council is working hard to support residents and businesses during the global pandemic.

It has information on its website about other forms of business support at https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/business/coronavirus-%E2%80%93-help-for-businesses including help with cash-flow problems, tax liabilities, account managers they can talk to and advice on managing staff during these difficult times or please contact info@wakefieldfirst.com

The Council’s Step-Up service is also still offering a telephone service for residents. Step-Up can provide advice for anyone in the district whether self-employed, furloughed or unemployed to find work, improve their skills or make a career change. To contact the team call 01924 303334.