Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou clarified on Wednesday that the government has no intention of altering shop opening hours, responding to concerns raised about a potential legal loophole.
The minister’s statement came after House Labour Committee chair Andros Kafkalias said that Sunday trading requires the issuance of a decree, which he claims does not currently exist.
Reaffirming the government’s stance, the Labour Minister stated that the current situation, which has been in place for years since relevant legislation was deemed unconstitutional, has not created operational problems. He emphasised that employee rights remain protected under existing laws.
The minister highlighted that extended operating hours and current market practices have positively impacted employment, the economy and investments.
He added that if necessary, and with guidance from the Law Office, changes to the law might be made, but not to operating hours. This statement prompted a reaction from Kafkalias, who noted that the minister’s response echoed his position from the previous year.
The House Labour Committee chair disagreed with the minister’s view that mere discussion of the issue could negatively affect the investment climate.
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