Sunday Trading (London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games) Bill [Lords]

Debate between Chuka Umunna and Lyn Brown

Monday 30th April 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Umunna]

I do not recollect any mention of synchronised shopping trolleys. I will deal with my hon. Friend’s point about workers shortly.

[Lyn Brown (West Ham) (Lab)]

Will my hon. Friend give way?

[Mr Umunna]

I will give way to the Member representing the Olympic park.

[Lyn Brown]

I am minded to support the Bill, although I feel sad about the fact that I will not be in the same Lobby as many of my colleagues. Can my hon. Friend tell me whether there have been discussions with the Government, and specifically with the Secretary of State, about an Olympic premium for those who will be expected to work on a Sunday and to give up much more of their time than they have had to give up hitherto? I am particularly worried about the fact that it seems likely that there will have to be two lots of shift patterns on Sundays, and that there will not be enough staff to work those shifts on a voluntary basis.

[Mr Umunna]

We have raised that issue with the Secretary of State. Although, according to the Government’s Business Link website, a premium should be considered in circumstances such as this when employees are required to work at unusual times, the Government have decided not to do anything about it.