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16.07.2021

ACS Highlights Impact of Tightening Labour Market on Local Shops

On 15th July, ACS chief executive James Lowman gave oral evidence to the Low Pay Commission (LPC) highlighting the impact of the tightening labour market and rising wage rates have on convenience retailers.

During the evidence session, ACS urged caution on further NLW increases with the labour market in a state of flux due to the furlough scheme, EU exit, Covid testing and isolation and other factors. The LPC’s policy is for NLW to reach two-thirds of median earnings by 2024 - currently projected to be £10.33.

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15.07.2021

ACS: Local Shops Have Responsibility and Opportunity in Healthy Food

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has committed to continuing to promote the progress of local shops in offering healthy options to customers and communities across the UK. It follows the publication of the National Food Strategy, led by Henry Dimbleby, which calls for reform of the food system to help the environment, the health of UK consumers, and the NHS. 

Recommendations made in the strategy include: 

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07.07.2021

ACS: Entries Open for Raj Aggarwal Trophy to Celebrate Outstanding Community Retailers

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:

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05.07.2021

ACS Urges Consistency in Business Recycling Regulations

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:

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02.07.2021

ACS: Government Must Act on Commitment to Secure Access to Cash

The Treasury has launched a consultation (1st 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. 

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30.06.2021

ACS Backs MPs’ Call for New Employment Bill

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.

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29.06.2021

Landmark Home Affairs Committee Report Calls for Urgent Action to Tackle Abuse of Retailers

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed a new report from the Home Affairs Committee on violence and abuse towards retail workers, which urges the Government to do more to protect people working in local shops.

The Committee’s Inquiry into violence and abuse against retail workers, chaired by Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, was launched in December 2020, and took evidence from ACS, USDAW, the BRC, Boots and others during a series of evidence sessions earlier this year.

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