ACS

ACS has called on the Low Pay Commission not to increase the National Minimum Wage in its next recommendations due in Spring 2010.

In its submission which brings together a survey of the impacts of the wage on over 500 local shop retailers, ACS sets out the pressures that the minimum wage increases over a series of years have placed on the sector and explains the risks presented by minimum wage increases in the current precarious economic climate.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Local shops provide flexible local employment for hundreds of thousands of people. Retailers in our sector support the need for a minimum wage but have found the increases of recent years hard to afford. The impact has been reduced hours, fewer jobs and reduced investment in important community businesses.

“In this precarious economic period any cost increases pose an even greater risk to businesses and jobs and therefore restraint is necessary.”

ACS makes this formal submission following meetings with the Commission Secretariat. ACS also expects to be invited to give oral evidence to the Commission panel and is facilitating visits by the Commissioners to members’ stores in different parts of the UK.

Contacts:
Shane Brennan Public Affairs Director
01252 515001/ 07921 372 978
Nina Collins Communications Coordinator
01252 515001

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. The deadline for submissions for consideration by the Low Pay Commission as part of their review of the minimum wage is 24th September. The Low Pay Commission is expected to make its recommendation to Government in February/March 2010. www.lowpay.gov.uk
3. The ACS submission to the Low Pay Commission is available to view here.