A day of rest is as important now as it ever was

Friday, August 24, 2012

RUMBLINGS about the temporary extension of Sunday Trading Regulations during the Olympics becoming permanent have raised hackles from some surprising quarters.

Justin King, Sainsbury's Group Chief Executive has stated that, "maintaining Sunday's special status has great merit for our customers and our colleagues and relaxing Sunday Trading laws is certainly not a magic answer to economic regeneration."

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It is alleged that many MP's and Peers only supported the temporary extension because it was just that – temporary.

The Government clearly feels the heat of the accusation that they are not doing enough to stimulate growth across our economy and consequently, and as Justin King implies, are wondering if making the temporary extension permanent is an obvious and easy 'quick win' solution.

This in spite of the fact that the extension to opening hours during the Olympics did not yield increased retail sales other than in hotels and restaurants. My own view is very simple, and I shall seek to explain it. Extending what is already a fairly lax regime – shops are allowed to be open for a maximum of six hours on a Sunday – to something which would start to make Sunday feel like just another shopping day, would be harmful on a number of fronts.

Before I get into that however, I think we would all acknowledge that essential services need to keep going on a 24/7 basis. I am aware that I speak for many in our community when I say a big 'thank you' to those who make the necessary sacrifice to maintain those services

First, I believe that we were created to do work, but we also require rest and replenishment. The danger of every day shopping is, put quite simply by my colleague, the Bishop of Oxford, Rt Rev'd John Pritchard, "the natural rhythms of our life are gradually obliterated".

However, there are other reasons for my caution.

First, such a move would very likely further disrupt family life. It would not only affect those members of the family who work in the retail trade but would also provide a constant temptation for families to trek off to the Mall yet more often. It's strangely paradoxical how often people who like shopping end up being the partners or spouses of those who hate shopping.

This will create yet more opportunity for families to drift off in opposite directions.

Secondly, such a move would put yet further pressure on small high street retailers. This would seem strange when the Government is rightly seeking to 'save our high streets'.

Small retailers cannot afford the extra staff required to compete with large, multi-national retail outlets and be open all hours. An extension to opening hours would place yet more pressure on our local shops.

Thirdly, we are told that we are a stressed society. Without appropriate times of rest and relaxation we become more stressed.

Surely a factor in the increased stress that people are being treated for is overwork and a society that is already too fast moving for many. We need to learn the practice of 'slowing'.

On Radio 5 late on Saturday evening was an item about this issue. The only argument pitched in favour of the continued extension was the so called great libertarian claim that this would be good simply because it increases individual choice.

Choice is a good thing, but it has to be balanced against other factors, such as the needs of the community and not just the individual.

The argument for as many people as possible having time off together is a strong argument. It gives space for relationships within the family and beyond. In a small way admittedly it does just give opportunity for the community to develop.

The above makes it very clear that I think there are very strong non theological reasons for resisting this permanent change.

However, as well as all this, my own conviction that the God who created us ordained that we should all get some kind of rest and replenishment. Many may feel that the Scriptures are a collection of old books that have little relevance today. I think on this subject (and many others) the Bible has something to say – rest assured.

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