T.N. govt. allows shops, other establishments to remain open on all days for another three years

The Labour Welfare and Skill Development Department, through a Government Order issued on August 24, has permitted the establishments to remain open for a further three years from the date of publication of the notification. The Tamil Nadu government has extended by three years the exemption allowing all shops and other establishments to remain open on all 365 days of the year.The Labour Welfare and Skill Development Department, through a Government Order issued on August 24, has permitted the establishments to remain open for a further three years from the date of publication of the notification. The previous order was given in 2023. The exemption comes with conditions aimed at protecting employees. Every employee must be given one day off every week on a rotational basis, with details displayed at the establishment. Employers must also display daily details of employees who are on leave or weekly holidays.Employees cannot be required to work for more than eight hours a day or 48 hours a week. Including overtime, the total working period cannot exceed 10.5 hours a day or 57 hours a week. Wages, including overtime payments, must be credited to employees’ bank accounts.The notification also lays down specific safeguards for women employees. They cannot ordinarily be required to work beyond 8 p.m. However, they may work between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. with their written consent, provided adequate measures are taken for their safety and dignity. Employers must provide transport to women working in shifts and display a notice at the main entrance about the availability of the facility.Establishments must also provide employees with restrooms, washrooms, safety lockers and other basic amenities. Employers with women employees are required to have a functioning Internal Complaints Committee to address complaints of sexual harassment at the workplace.The government said violations of the conditions or other statutory provisions would invite penal action under the Tamil Nadu Shops and Establishments Act, 1947, and the rules framed under it. Published - September 04, 2026 07:28 pm IST