Sydney (Media Release): While there will be no change to Boxing Day trading hours this Christmas, NSW Government inspectors have again been asked to understand some work may be essential to prepare shops for trade.
“As part of our consultation on the changes needed to retail trading laws, one of the concerns raised is that shops need to be able to carry out some ‘back of house’ work when not open for trade,” Treasurer and Minister for Industrial Relations, Mike Baird said.
“Even though it is common-sense that shopkeepers be allowed to access their shops to water plants, clean, or receive deliveries, changes introduced in 2010 have made this unnecessarily complicated.
“I have therefore asked my Department to take a common-sense approach to the legislation on these restricted trading days.
“Protections remain in place to ensure no staff can be forced to work during these times,” he said.
Mr Baird said consultation on improvements to retail trading laws is continuing, following the withdrawal of the Retail Trading Bill last month.
“There’s no doubt improvements need to be made to the current retail trading laws – both for business and the community.
“Many retailers are impacted by the growth of online shopping and deserve a more level-playing field.
“We want to allow shops to be open at times convenient to consumers, while also protecting the family life of shop assistants, and allowing those who want to work to earn extra income.
“We are engaging with interested groups to ensure we strike the balance that’s intended and will return with an amended Bill in the new year,” Mr Baird said.
