DIY shops may open on Sundays
A temporary permit has been passed allowing opening – in view of the fact many have been opening illegally anyway
DIY shops may now open on Sundays in a temporary relaxation of the usual law on Sunday opening, the government has said.
A new decree adds the shops to a list of categories exempt from the usual ban on Sunday trading, but it is only operational until July 2015.
Commerce and Employment Ministers Sylvia Pinel and Michel Sapin stated that “this exemption aims at, temporarily, giving a stable legal framework for the Sunday openings that have been found to be taking place in this sector, while awaiting a general overhaul of exemptions to Sunday closing, which should remain the general rule”.
From January 9, unions and employers’ organisations will hold discussions over the terms of this Sunday work. The ministers say it should involve at least double pay as well as time off in lieu.
Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault has announced a new law on Sunday opening in 2014. He generally supports a report on the topic by former La Poste president Jean-Paul Bailly which recommends, among other proposals, increasing to 12 from five the number of possible Sunday opening days for non-exempt shops.
Previous articles:
Sunday closing remains the rule
DIY chains win Sunday case
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