ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to a new report from the Resolution Foundation which examines the extent of low pay across the economy.
The ‘Low Pay Britain’ report notes that the number of low-paid workers across Britain fell by almost 200,000 last year, including over 130,000 women and 120,000 people aged 21-30 (despite under 25s not being legally entitled to the NLW).
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “We welcome the discussion on the future of the national living and minimum wage rates, but any decisions have to be made in the context of the wider impact on businesses and the labour market.
“Since the introduction of the National Living Wage, convenience retailers tell us that they have had to make tough decisions in their business such as reducing staff hours, taking on more hours themselves and delaying investment. It’s important that future decisions on wage rates are made through objective economic analysis.”
The government is currently undertaking a review of the international evidence relating to the employment and productivity effects of rising wage rates, led by Professor Arin Dube. The review will report to HM Treasury and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
The Low Pay Commission’s current remit is for the National Living Wage to reach 60% of median earnings by 2020, estimated at £8.62 per hour.
The full report is available here.
