France’s government has ruled out the fundamental changes sought by retailers to the restrictions on Sunday trading, but signalled it would accept some easing of the rules to iron out inconsistencies in the law, reports The Financial Times.
Business leaders and groups of workers have been campaigning for change following legal action by some trade unions to shut down retailers that were opening in defiance of a complex set of rules allowing some stores to operate on Sundays, but not others
“Sunday will not be a day like any other,” insisted Jean-Marc Ayrault, prime minister. “The principle of Sunday as a day of rest will not be placed in question.”
He was responding to an independent report ordered by the government that said Sunday opening should continue to be restricted but which recommended greater flexibility and streamlining of the current regime.
Mr Ayrault acknowledged that Sunday opening rules were “incomprehensible” and needed an overhaul. But he stressed that any change must be accompanied by rules assuring extra pay for workers, who should only work on a voluntary basis.
Read more of this report from The Financial Times.