National Minimum Wage

The Low Pay Commission have published a new consultation as part of its evidence gathering process on the impact of minimum wage rates ahead of its recommendations to the Government later this year.  

Announced today by the Treasury (21 November), the new headline NLW rate will apply to everyone aged 21 and over (was previously 23 or over) and confirms that the Government will meet its target of increasing the National Living Wage to two-thirds of median earnings by 2024. 

Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers has outlined his support for retaining the existing Sunday trading regulations in a visit to a SPAR store in Humberston operated by Blakemore Retail.

ACS has warned that the above inflation 3% increase in the adult National Minimum Wage to £6.70 will have a negative impact on staffing and investment levels in the convenience sector.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “We are disappointed with the increase in the National Minimum Wage above inflation, above average earnings growth, and above public sector pay award levels. Our research has clearly shown that retailers have little choice but to reduce staff hours and delay further business investment when the minimum wage is increased.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has submitted evidence to the Low Pay Commission, calling on the commission to carefully assess the impact of the rate rise on small retailers.

In its submission, ACS notes that according to a survey of retailers, increases in the minimum wage correlate with a negative effect on business competitiveness. 56% of retailers stated that NMW rises have made their business less competitive.