New Year’s Day Trading Consultation

That the Parliament notes with disappointment reports that the Scottish Government has yet to consult on whether to limit New Year’s Day trading in large stores; considers that evidence from USDAW trade union shows the effects that working long shifts in large stores on New Year’s Day had on staff's mental and physical health; believes that the Scottish Government should have regard to both the evidence presented to it and the wellbeing of workers; considers that retail staff deserve a well-earned rest on New Year’s Day after what is always an incredibly busy period for the industry; supports the continued calls from USDAW trade union to close large stores on New Year’s Day, and calls on the Scottish Government to initiate a consultation with retail staff, their employers and the trade unions on New Year's Day closing.