ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is calling on retailers to take part in its annual National Living Wage survey.
The findings of the survey will inform ACS’ employment policy work over the coming year, including ACS’ submission to the Low Pay Commission.
The Low Pay Commission currently estimates that the National Living Wage (NLW) will be in the range of £10.90 and £11.43 with a central estimate of £11.16, to meet the Government’s target to reach two-thirds of median earnings by 2024.
The Low Pay Commission’s consultation is seeking views on:
- the affordability and effects of an increase in April 2024 to the NLW rate
- impact of the NLW’s increase to £10.42 on workers, employers, the labour market and economy
- the impact of lowering the NLW age threshold to 21 years of age and the removal of the 21–22 Year Old Rate
- the effect of the minimum wage on young people and their employment prospects
- the effects of this year’s increase in the Apprentice Rate, and its continued alignment with the 16-17 Year Old Rate.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Convenience stores provide local, secure and flexible employment to hundreds of thousands of people across the UK and we know that changes to wage rates have practical implications for retailers and the day to day running of the stores in our sector.
“I would urge all convenience retailers to take part in this survey so that we can provide the Low Pay Commission with an accurate representation of the real-life impact that wage rate increases have on local shops.”
All responses will be kept anonymous and confidential. The survey is available here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ACSNLW23
The deadline for responses is 28th April.
