Latest figures show that 64% of retail staff support the proposal for an extra two hours Sunday trading at the bigger stores on Bond Street, Oxford Street, Knightsbridge and Regent Street.

Figures also show that 69% of staff around Croydon, West Croydon, Stratford and further areas also support the extension as it would benefit them financially and 66% would like to work extra hours.
The poll, conducted by the New West End Company also revealed that 73% think longer hours will create more jobs, 75% think there needs to be more flexibility to contend with online shoppers and 74% think outlets need to be open when shoppers are likely to use them.

Chief executive of New West End Company, Jace Tyrrell, said: “It is clear from these findings that there is a strong support among those who work in London’s retail industry for changes to the way Sunday trading is regulated.

“These people form the lifeblood of our offering as a global retail destination, and the findings show that many of those who spend their time making visitors and Londoners alike feel welcome across the shops and stores that line the streets of the West End and Knightsbridge believe they would benefit from the changes.

“This move is one that retailers across the West End and Knightsbridge have long identified as a vital to ensuring London remains at the forefront of global competitiveness, while our research shows that just two extra hours in the West End and Knightsbridge would generate an additional £260 million income annually and create over 2,000 new FTE retail jobs.”