UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves committed to a new industrial strategy at the Labour Party Conference yesterday (Monday 23 September) – a move which has been welcomed by shopworkers union Usdaw.
Reeves said: “Where active government is called for, this government will act. It is time the Treasury moved on from just counting the costs of investments in our economy, to recognising the benefits too. So, we are calling time on the ides of the past. Calling time on the days when government stood back, left crucial sectors to fend for themselves. The era of trickle-down economics is over. We will publish our plans for a new industrial strategy.
“A strategy for driving and shaping long-term growth. A strategy to unlock investment, create jobs and deliver prosperity. A strategy to help break down barriers to growth and build prosperity on strong and secure foundations. Because when I said that this Labour Party is profoundly pro-business and proudly pro-worker, I meant it.”
Paddy Lillis – Usdaw general secretary said: “Rachel Reeves is absolutely right to criticise the years when business was held back by a Tory government and the impact of that is clear to all. It’s no secret that the retail sector has faced longstanding challenges over the past decade and the Chancellor correctly identified that high street businesses have been punished by the outdated system of business rates.
“Retail employs nearly three million people and is the largest private sector employer in UK. Not only is retail a fundamental part of our economy, but retail jobs also lie at the heart of our communities and town centres. Significant challenges lie ahead and Usdaw has this week published a plan for retail, which has widespread support from businesses and employers.”
Usdaw’s latest report is calling for a plan for the future of retail work based on the following measures:
- Better pay and secure work.
- A new economic framework to support growth and drive investment in good quality retail jobs.
- Retraining and upskilling with a focus on new technology, automation and the transition to net-zero.
- Fair treatment and equality for all retail workers.
- Stronger protections for retail workers, supported by their trade union.
Lillis added: “We look forward to engaging with the Chancellor to help to deliver Labour’s mission to rebuild Britain and kick start economic growth, because retail has huge economic potential. To unlock this potential, retail needs to be at the heart of the Government’s industrial strategy. Under a Labour Government, we can achieve this.”
