The survey commissioned by Deregulate, which favours liberalisation of Sunday trading rules, found that 78 per cent of those asked had no objections and 53 per cent said it would improve their lives if large shops were allowed to open earlier or later on a Sunday.
In a submission to the Department of Trade and Industry, Deregulate said lifting restrictions will create thousands of jobs, improve the economy and give consumers more choice.
Deregulate Chairman David Ramsden said: 'By removing regulation, shops can make their own decisions and react to customer demand. The whole concept of shopping has changed since the Act was put in place. Shopping is now a family activity and any extension to opening hours will be dictated by consumer demand.'
However, an Usdaw survey of 3000 shop workers found that 95 per cent were opposed to a relaxation of the law. It will be launching a national Save Our Sundays Campaign in Blackpool on Saturday. The protest will involve the children of Usdaw members carrying signs including: 'I only see my parents together on Sundays' and 'If my mum has to work Sundays, who will look after me?'.
The 1994 Sunday Trading Act prevents stores of more than 3,015 sq ft (280 sq m) from opening longer than six hours.
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