The Government faces backlash in plans to expand Sunday trading hours

The government has been given a "letter before action" from the group, which outline its plans for a future judicial review on the proposals to allow local authorities and councils to decide trading hours for retailers on Sunday.

In the letter, the group argues that the Government has used outdated information for the review to shakeup Sunday Trading laws and not issued an assessment highlighting the potential impact new trading hours could have on family life. The group also claims that the government failed to carry out a "genuine, unbiased consultation process" before creating the proposals.

"We do not enter into this action lightly, and do so with a heavy heart," said a spokesperson from the group. "There are fundamental flaws in the process that the Government has taken and full consideration is needed, not the inadequate process that has taken place to date."

The campaign from the Keep Sunday Special group has been backed by a number of small and medium sized businesses and organizations across the country. "Longer opening hours will serve only to benefit out of town stores, whilst hurting high streets, Post Offices and small shops – resulting in a net loss of jobs to the economy," said the association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman.

"The Government cannot be allowed to get away with publishing a partial, unbalanced response to their consultation and pressing ahead with these plans despite widespread opposition. We fully support this legal action to hold Government to account for their actions."

The government has defended its proposal for Sunday trading hours, as the power to extend store hours will be given to local councils and store employees will be guaranteed the decision to work on Sunday or not. "Extending Sunday shopping hours has the potential to help businesses and high streets better compete as our shopping habits change," said a Government spokesperson.

"The rights of shop workers are key to making these changes work in everyone’s interests. We are protecting those who do not wish to work Sundays, and those who do not want to work more than their normal Sunday working hours."