The Low Pay Commission (LPC) have launched their consultation on future National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage rates. In its annual submission to the Low Pay Commission, ACS has raised concerns about the measures that retailers are being forced to take as a result of the National Living Wage increasing to £7.50 per hour in April 2017. Key figures from the submission include:
- More than three quarters of convenience stores (78%) have reduced the number of staff hours in their business
- Almost half (48%) have had to reduce the number of staff they employ in store
- Almost two thirds (65%) of store owners have had to increase the number of hours they work themselves
- 78% of convenience stores believe that the increase in the National Living Wage in April 2017 has made their business less profitable
When asked about future wage rates, 75% of respondents to the National Living Wage survey said that they would like a freeze in the National Living Wage next year. The Government’s current target is for the National Living Wage to reach 60% of median earnings (currently projected at £8.75 per hour) by 2020.
Consultation details:
ACS' submission:
