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SHOPS ACTS
The Shops Acts 1950 — 1965 deals with closing hours,
working hours for young persons, and also makes provision for
meal intervals, weekly half-holidays and holidays in lieu of
Sunday employment of all employees within scope of the Acts.
Similarly, the Young Persons (Employment) Acts 1938 — 1964
regulates the employment of 'young persons' otherwise than in
shops, e.g. carrying messages or running errands outside the
place of business; the operation of a hoist or lift connected with
mechanical power; the operation of cinematograph apparatus;
attendance on persons resorting to a public swimming bath,
bathing place or turkish bath.
The Sunday Trading requirements are currently under
consideration but all attempts to rationalise the law have so far
been frustrated. The protagonists for change continue in their
efforts.
Inspection visits to shops and other premises have to be
made on weekends as well as during and after normal working
hours. Contraventions are listed below:-
Early Closing Day
Failing to exhibit an early closing day notice 48
Failing to close for the "serving of customers" 2
Failing to observe the Regulations 30
Sunday Trading
Failing to close for the "serving of customers" 4
Failing to observe the Regulations 32
Evening Closing Hours
Failing to close shop for the "serving of customers" 2
Conditions of Employment
Failing to exhibit notice specifying the day of
Assistants' weekly half-holiday 122
Failing to allow Assistants weekly half-holiday 5
Failing to allow intervals for meals and rest 19
Failing to give young persons at least eleven hours
consecutive rest to include 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. 1
Failing to exhibit an Abstract of the Act and to keep
records of hours worked by young persons 129
121