Responding to the Spring Statement, Helen Dickinson,
Chief Executive at the British Retail Consortium, said:
“The Chancellor has committed to tearing down regulatory barriers
and implementing policies to grow our economy and create jobs.
And yet retailers are facing tough choices as they try to find
ways to address the £7bn in new costs this year as a result of
increased employer NICs, higher NLW, and the new packaging tax.
The impact of this will be higher prices, fewer shops and less
investment in jobs.
“We welcome the Chancellor's commitment to “drive growth in the
economy” and the retail industry is keen to play its part in this
mission. As the Chancellor aims to drive down the number of those
who are ‘economically inactive', there is a need for better
routes back into work for those that want or need it after a
period of inactivity. The retail industry provides a perfect
solution. It is filled with people joining and returning to the
workforce. It offers local, flexible jobs, often requiring few
qualifications, and part-time jobs that allow people to find
their feet, work as much or as little as they are able, and
balance work with other important life commitments.
“But the costs from the Budget, and uncertainty about how the
Employment Rights Bill and new business rates policy will be
implemented, mean it will be much harder for retailers to keep
creating these kinds of jobs. So the government should avoid
unintended consequences and provide clarity about the
implementation of these policies as soon as possible. A serious
plan for retail growth would support the industry to invest in
new jobs and keep prices down for customers.”
