Shopkeepers are being urged to write to their MPs to make sure that they don’t forget the concerns of retailers.
The campaign is being organised by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) who want the government to take more notice of their needs, particularly as a series of employee friendly measures are due to take effect shortly.
The ACS says that it supports measures such as the minimum wage, due to be raised in the Autumn, and other rights such as paid holiday.
However, the ACS is concerned about the potential impact of extended paid holiday, employer pension contributions and increases in the minimum wage all occurring within short time period.
Leo Gillen, a retailer from Hartlepool, says he plans to write to his MP.
He said: “This is all about achieving a fair balance.
“With growing competitive pressure on margins, independent retailers can ill afford significant new costs on their business.”
James Lowman, director of public affairs at ACS, said: “ACS and its members are not opposed to measures that provide a fair framework for staff.
“Extending paid holiday from four weeks to five-six weeks, introducing compulsory employer contributions to pensions, and any further increase in the National Minimum Wage will pile considerable costs on our members.
“Of course we are putting retailers’ views across inside Government, but it is also important for retailers to make their case directly, and to explain how much pressure these measures could put on their business.”
© Crimson Business Ltd 2006
