ACS calls on retailers for minimum wage evidence
Local shops across the UK are being asked to provide the evidence needed to prove the damaging impact of future increases in National Minimum Wage.
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is encouraging retailers to return a questionnaire that probes the impacts of past increases on job creation, hours and investment in business growth. The findings will be the centrepiece of ACS’ submission to the Low Pay Commission later this year.
ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Each year we give written and oral evidence to the Low Pay Commission that reflects how the industry is coping with the National Minimum Wage rate, and support from local shops is vital in building our case for a freeze in minimum wage.”
As part of its detailed programme to increase awareness of the impact of the wage on convenience stores, ACS is bringing the decision makers of the Low Pay Commission out to meet those that their decisions affect. Managers from leading convenience chain Tates met with the Commissioners in Wrexham on the 30th June.
Geoff Hallam, Tates Managing Director said: “We are grateful to the Low Pay Commission for considering our position while gathering evidence ahead of their report to Government. The rising Minimum Wage has a significant impact on our business, and caused us great difficulty trying to remain competitive and has impacted on our profitability. We hope that the Commission will take this into account when setting their recommended rate early next year.”
Also this month, ACS has written to Employment Relations Minister Edward Davey expressing support for the Government’s decision to require the Commission to take into account the competitiveness of small firms in this years consultation.
James Lowman explained: “Retail is one of the largest private sector employers and it is essential we reflect the impact that minimum wage increases have had on local shops. By spending a few minutes adding their personal experiences to our evidence base, retailers will be able to have a real impact on the decision making process of the Commission.”
The Low Pay Commission is gathering evidence now. The deadline for submissions to their consultation is September 10th and a recommendation will be made to Government by the end of February 2011.
