MP, the Minister for
Employment Rights, Competition and Markets, has written to ACS
(the Association of Convenience Stores) recognising the
challenges faced by the convenience sector and pledging to
collaborate with its members when implementing upcoming
legislation introduced by the Employment Rights Bill.
In his letter, the minister recognised convenience colleagues as
essential workers who provide local, secure, and flexible work,
and praised the good record of ACS members providing secure
permanent contracts and giving good notice for shifts. As
highlighted by the ACS Local Shop Report (2024), the convenience
sector provides local, flexible and secure employment for around
445,000 people and this year generated £9bn in tax income for the
Treasury.
MP, Minister for Employment
Rights, Competition and Markets, said: “We recognise the
challenges that convenience stores are facing – from rising
operational costs to pressures of inflation – and so we are
determined to ensure that our legislation is introduced
pragmatically, working with businesses like yours, so that the
implementation of these changes can be managed constructively.”
“As the Bill continues through Parliament, I warmly invite ACS
and all its members to work in partnership with us to help ensure
our reforms get the right balance and put the principles we all
share into practice.”
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: "We welcome the Minister's
commitment to striking a balance with the Employment Rights Bill
so that our members can continue to invest in creating jobs and
offering services to the communities they serve. Our sector
epitomises the principles of good work, creating local, secure,
flexible jobs in communities through the UK.
“Separate to these reforms, the cost of employing people has
increased significantly through National Living Wage and National
Insurance Contribution rises, so the implementation of new
employment law needs to be light-touch and pragmatic.
Earlier this month, ACS gave evidence to the Rates Bill Committee
on the benefit of separate, lower multiplier for retailers, which
would help retailers invest in their business. You can watch a summary of
what was covered here.
The full letter from the
Minister is available to view here.
