SDLP Voices Concerns Over Belfast Sunday Trading Extension Plan

SDLP Belfast City Council Group Leader Councillor Séamas de Faoite has voiced his opposition to a proposed extension of Sunday trading hours in the city centre.

The move gained support from Sinn Féin and Alliance councillors at a meeting of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee on Monday. Councillor de Faoite had put forward an alternative proposal focusing on exploring other ways to animate Belfast on Sundays.

He expressed his concerns: "The decision to run a council pilot stopping any enforcement against businesses who open early on a Sunday will achieve nothing except increased profits for large multinational retailers. Every time this issue has raised its head over the years unions have been clear that it is opposed by staff who want to retain what is a small measure, but provides improved work-life balance."

Instead of extending trading hours, Councillor de Faoite suggested exploring alternative initiatives. "Instead of extending business opening hours I proposed that we look at other ways of making our city active on a Sunday, learning from successful projects like Open Botanic which has brought so much vibrancy to the area, without infringing on workers' rights. We also need to look at creative ideas like Car Free Sundays which has the potential to open up our communities and allow people to come together, with added boosts for people's health and our environment."

He also questioned the evidence base for the decision. "The reports behind this decision rely on surveys conducted back in 2016 and 2017, before the Primark fire and Covid-19 pandemic, both which have changed the fabric of our city centre. The least you would expect is for a decision of this magnitude to be backed up with recent evidence."

Councillor de Faoite concluded by reiterating the SDLP's stance. "The SDLP will continue to put the needs of workers, families and young people before large businesses and we will be pushing against these proposals to allow staff to retain one of the few benefits that have yet to be eroded."

Alliance Welcomes Employment Rights Proposals

Alliance Economy Spokespeople Kate Nicholl MLA and David Honeyford MLA have responded to the Economy Minister's statement on proposed employment rights legislation.

Kate Nicholl MLA acknowledged the need for updated legislation: "Following long periods without a sitting Assembly and Executive, Northern Ireland has undoubtedly fallen behind on employment rights law. Legislative changes brought forward by the Economy Minister must be fit for purpose and deliver positive change for workers, businesses and our whole economy."

She highlighted Alliance's advocacy for key changes. "Alliance has been at the forefront of proposing positive change to the proposals, including strongly advocating for flexible working, pushing for the regulation of zero-hours contracts, and lobbying for positive working relationships between businesses and trade unions. I have also repeatedly called for paid carer’s leave to be included within the bill and would urge the Minister to clarify when paid carer’s leave will be delivered in Northern Ireland."

David Honeyford MLA emphasised the importance of considering small businesses. "Alliance has continually called for the unique position of micro and small businesses to be taken into account within this legislation, including exemptions or changes when deemed appropriate. Whilst we are pleased to see some movement in that direction, there needs to be a recognition that small businesses require greater levels of support, so our society can move towards building a fairer and more balanced employment landscape in Northern Ireland."

Both MLAs stressed the need for collaborative implementation. "While the Minister’s proposals set a promising direction, the true test will be in how these commitments are implemented in practice. It’s vital that the next stages involve meaningful collaboration between government, trade unions, businesses, and employees to ensure reforms are workable, inclusive, and deliver tangible benefits. Alliance will continue to play a leading role in pushing for the development of robust and effective employment rights laws that protect workers and support businesses across Northern Ireland."

The Alliance Party has called for clarity on the implementation of paid carer's leave and further support for small businesses as the proposed employment rights legislation moves forward.

Man Injured In Sectarian Assault In L'Derry

Police are investigating a report of an assault on a man in the Waterside area of L'Derry during the early hours of Monday morning, 28th April.

The incident was reported to police at around 12:30 am and is believed to have occurred approximately 10 to 15 minutes prior on Clooney Terrace.

According to reports, males from a dark-coloured estate-type vehicle that stopped in the area approached the victim, who was with another man. The group then proceeded to punch and kick the victim in the head, causing him to fall to the ground.

The injured man was treated at the scene by emergency services before being taken to hospital for further treatment. The other man who was with the victim managed to escape without injury.

Police have confirmed that enquiries into the assault are ongoing and that the incident is being treated as a sectarian hate crime.

Detectives are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the assault or has any information that could assist their investigation to come forward. They are also asking anyone who was driving in the Clooney Terrace area at the time and may have relevant dash cam footage, as well as residents with doorbell or CCTV footage, to check their recordings.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 28 of 28/04/25.

A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/