ACS has written to Business Minister Paul Scully MP, urging the Government to bring forward the change in self-isolation rules.

Under current Government proposals, from 16^th August, anyone who has had their second vaccine dose more than two weeks prior, or who is aged under 18, would not have to self-isolate due to being identified by NHS Test and Trace as a result of close contact. ACS is calling for this rule change to be brought forward to now to avoid significant operational challenges for retailers, staff shortages and unnecessary short term business closures.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is encouraging retailers to submit their entries for a new trophy marking the legacy of independent retailer Raj Aggarwal. The trophy will be awarded to retailers who have been exceptional in community retailing and helping their fellow retailers.

Applications are welcome from any convenience store operator, independent retailers and managers of multiple-owned outlets.

To enter, applicants must submit a short film (maximum of 5 minutes), which will show:

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has called for clarity and support from the government as retailers and other businesses prepare for the end of legal social distancing and face covering requirements on 19 July. ACS has been attending meetings and engaging with officials across government, and says its members need:

From Sunday 18th July, HMRC will be requiring new checks on the codes that are given to businesses to ensure that they are registered properly for the UK track and trace system.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has criticised MPs’ decision to vote down the introduction of a new clause in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill that would have made attacking a retail worker a separate offence.

New Clause 31, proposed by Shadow Policing Minister Sarah Jones MP, would have created a new offence for assaulting a retail worker with the following provisions:

•             Introduces a new, separate offence for assaulting, threatening or abusing a retail worker

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to a consultation launched by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) on Consistency in Household and Business Recycling in England, highlighting the impact that new regulations would have on the convenience sector.

As part of the Environment Bill, businesses will be required to separate their waste for collection from 2023. This consultation is seeking views on the:

Local shops are calling on MPs to support new amendments to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill when it is debated today.

The new amendments would provide greater protections for shopworkers and address the 40,000 violent attacks in convenience stores last year.

Conservative MP Matt Vickers is proposing tougher penalties for any workers serving the public that are subject to violent attacks. Labour MPs are supporting amendments for specific attacks on shopworkers and shopworkers enforcing age restrictions.

The Treasury has launched a consultation (1^st July), seeking views on how legislation should secure long-term access to cash.

The consultation includes proposals to set a maximum distance that consumers and businesses should have to travel to deposit and access cash without a charge. 

Local shops are calling on MPs to support new amendments to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill when it is debated next week.

The new amendments would provide greater protections for shopworkers and address the 40,000 violent attacks in convenience stores last year.

Conservative MP Matt Vickers is proposing tougher penalties for any workers serving the public that are subject to violent attacks. Labour MPs are supporting amendments for specific attacks on shopworkers and shopworkers enforcing age restrictions.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed a new report from the Work and Pensions Committee, urging the Government bring forward the Employment Bill to enhance the rights of workers in the low-paid and gig economy.

The report calls on the Government to develop a strategy for responding to long-term changes in the labour market, looking at wellbeing, skills, technology, and the availability of labour.

Findings from ACS’ 2020 Local Shop Report reveal that convenience stores provide local, flexible and secure jobs for around 412,000 people across the UK.