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15 May 2024

A new report released on behalf of the Retail Sector Council has outlined the work that the industry is doing to create more career opportunities for people that would otherwise be...

14 May 2024

A family of booklovers are moving from Australia to become the new owners of an independent bookshop in Halifax.

14 May 2024

Worldpay’s 2024 Global Payments Report has revealed a transformative shift where consumer choice is not just influencing but dictating the future of commerce.

13 May 2024

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has called on grocers to prioritise accurate pricing following a review of the way in-store prices are displayed.

13 May 2024

Independent businesses in Leicester have praised the “uniqueness” of the city and its "vibrant" atmosphere after the news that M&S was set to close drew a...

1 May 2024

Small shops have been more "agile" at fighting COVID sale slumps than chain stores, according to a new report.

29 Apr 2024

A Peterborough store stocking products solely from local entrepreneurs said it is bucking the High Street trend and looking to expand due to its success.

29 Apr 2024

BIRA is giving independent businesses across the UK a powerful new resource with the launch of its “High Street Matters” podcast.

29 Apr 2024

The Guardian has reported independent shopkeepers saying prices they pay at Tesco’s cash-and-carry arm Booker are often higher than in Tesco’s stores.

18 Apr 2024

Independent record stores around the country are preparing to celebrate all things vinyl for this year’s Record Store Day on Saturday April 20th. 

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National Living Wage Survey - your feedback needed

Posted on in Business News , Political News

In response to the 2015 Summer Budget, ACS is looking to evaluate the impact of the National Minimum Wage.

The Low Pay Commission is currently seeking evidence to influence its recommendations for the 2016 rate of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) as well initial evidence on the impact of the National Living Wage (NLW) of £7.20 per hour for over 25 year olds, to be introduced in April 2016.

Industry experts said that the retail sector, which employs vast numbers of staff on or just above the national minimum wage, would be forced to cut jobs, reduce staff working hours and pass on additional costs to their shoppers when the wage, announced in the Chancellor's budget, is introduced next April.

The Association of Convenience Stores, which represents thousands of small independent grocery outlets, said its members were likely to have to reduce the number of hours that their staff work, cancel investment plans or work more hours in their business themselves.

Given how important an issue wages are for small retailers, we are asking for feedback on how changes in NMW, as well as the introduction of the mandatory NLW, may affect business. Information is to be gathered through an online survey, available via the link below. This information will be used in discussions with government and all data will be kept confidential.

Take part in the survey

ACS are an established, credible and influential voice for the local shop sector in Government.

Indie retail ActSmart work alongside ACS and fourteen other membership organisations to form the Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC) which provides a platform to increase the profile and voice of independent retailing within Government and Parliament. 

IRC members share intelligence on political, policy and government relationship issues and wherever possible work together to champion small business issues.

The combined representation of the IRC provides a strong campaigning body, enhancing the support that organisations can deliver to their membership.

The IRC also provides the Secretariat for the All Party Parliamentary Small Shops Group (APPSSG). This group, Chaired by Priti Patel MP, runs a range policy relevant debates each years to engage parliamentarians on small shop policy issues.

 

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