The Minister for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets, Justin Madders MP, has pledged to collaborate with the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) when implementing upcoming legislation introduced by the Employment Rights Bill.
A letter from the minister to ACS recognised convenience colleagues as essential workers who provide local, secure, and flexible work, and praised the good record of ACS members providing secure permanent contracts and giving good notice for shifts. As highlighted by the ACS Local Shop Report (2024), the convenience sector provides local, flexible and secure employment for around 445,000 people and this year generated £9bn in tax income for the Treasury.
Justin Madders MP, Minister for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets, said: “We recognise the challenges that convenience stores are facing – from rising operational costs to pressures of inflation – and so we are determined to ensure that our legislation is introduced pragmatically, working with businesses like yours, so that the implementation of these changes can be managed constructively.
“As the Bill continues through Parliament, I warmly invite ACS and all its members to work in partnership with us to help ensure our reforms get the right balance and put the principles we all share into practice.”
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “We welcome the Minister’s commitment to striking a balance with the Employment Rights Bill so that our members can continue to invest in creating jobs and offering services to the communities they serve. Our sector epitomises the principles of good work, creating local, secure, flexible jobs in communities through the UK.
“Separate to these reforms, the cost of employing people has increased significantly through National Living Wage and National Insurance Contribution rises, so the implementation of new employment law needs to be light-touch and pragmatic.
Last month, ACS gave evidence to the Rates Bill Committee on the benefit of separate, lower multiplier for retailers in England, which would help them invest in their business.
