Sunday trading laws could be relaxed to help economy recover from coronavirus crisis

Supermarkets would be allowed to open for longer and cafes and pubs given fast-tracked approval to serve outside

Stock image. (iStock/Getty)

Sunday trading laws could be scrapped for a year to help the economy recover from the coronavirus crisis.

Supermarket bosses have previously urged the government to relax the legislation ⁠— which limits larger shops to only serving customers for six hours on Sundays ⁠— to ease queues and overcrowding.

And it appears their calls have been answered, as Downing Street is said to be drawing up plans to extend trading hours as part of a package of measures to revive the economy.

Boris Johnson and his chief adviser Dominic Cummings are said to be on board with the plans, according to The Times, but there are concerns more traditionalist MPs may not be.

The newspaper also reports the current 28-day statutory consultation period could be scrapped to give cafes and pubs fast-track approval to serve food and drink outside.

Former Conservative prime minister David Cameron attempted to extend Sunday trading hours in 2016 but abandoned the plans after suffering a crippling defeat in the House of Commons.

Planning restrictions could also be temporarily amended to make it easier for high street properties to change between retail and residential use, The Times reports.

All private and NHS dental practices in England will also be allowed to reopen from Monday for face-to-face care.

However they will have to implement infection prevention measures and have adequate supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff, before considering opening to the public.