Workers in Dunedin are "gutted" that Easter Sunday trading will go ahead after it was given the green light by council.

First Union claims Dunedin City Council is putting the interests of retailers hoping to profit off an Ed Sheeran concert before the interests of retail workers, and are gutted with the decision.

"Our members were calling on the council to protect family time and keep Easter Sunday shop-free," says union spokesperson Tali Williams.

"Now pressure is going to go on retail workers to abandon plans with their families and instead turn up for another day of work."

During public consultation key issues of support for trading included the fact that trading should not be limited by religion, it would benefit the city economically and that the three Ed Sheeran concerts are a good reason to trade, making the weekend more enjoyable, according to the council meeting's minutes.

Despite the concerts bringing thousands to town, several councillors said the fact the Ed Sheeran concerts are happening next Easter did not influence their vote on this issue, says a council spokesman.

Sheeran is playing at Forsyth Barr Stadium on the Thursday, Saturday and Sunday of the Easter weekend.

"Retail workers are only guaranteed three and a half days off work each year - Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and part of ANZAC Day," Ms Williams said.

"For the other 361 and a half days people working in retail could be rostered on for work, even on public holidays."

The move for Easter trading will be a trial and will be reviewed next year.