ACS

In the Low Pay Commission’s final store visit of 2009, an independent retailer has told Commissioners that the minimum wage created a “level playing field”, but that it was “getting more and more difficult to pay workers above the bare minimum”.

Over the past year, the Low Pay Commission have been visiting people across the country who are to be impacted by a change in the minimum wage. The Low Pay commission concluded their visiting schedule yesterday at a Premier store in Bristol, talking to store owner Chris Ray and his staff.
 

Mr Ray told the commission that he believed in the national minimum wage in principle as it creates a level playing field across the sector, but has concerns that it is catching up too fast: “I’ve always tried to pay my staff above the minimum wage, as it makes the positions more appealing – but with the continual increases it’s getting more and more difficult to stay ahead of the rates.

“The national minimum wage as it stands is about right in my view as an employer, but the big issue for me is the continued increase in holiday entitlement. If I were able to pay my staff in lieu of taking time off, it would be a much better system for both me and them.”

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “It is clear from these visits that retailers support the minimum wage, and we are proud that as an industry we provide flexible employment opportunities for people across all parts of the community.

“However, in the 10 years since its inception, the minimum wage has increased by an inflation busting 60%. We believe that the right decision is to freeze the minimum wage, and we hope that the Low Pay Commission will recommend these measures in their report to the Government.”

The Low Pay Commission will submit their advisory report to the Government in February 2010.

Contacts:

Shane Brennan Public Affairs Director
01252 533009/ 07921 372 978
Chris Noice Communications Coordinator
01252 533013
 

Notes to Editors:

1. ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) is the voice of local shops, representing over 33,500 convenience stores. ACS helps local shops thrive through lobbying, support and networking opportunities.
2. ACS provides free advice to its members, which can be found at http://www.acs.org.uk or by calling 01252 515001.