Responding to the Spring Statement, Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive at the British Retail Consortium, said:
“The Chancellor has committed to tearing down regulatory barriers and implementing policies to grow our economy and create jobs. And yet retailers are facing tough choices as they try to find ways to address the £7bn in new costs this year as a result of increased employer NICs, higher NLW, and the new packaging tax. The impact of this will be higher prices, fewer shops and less investment in jobs.
“We welcome the Chancellor’s commitment to “drive growth in the economy” and the retail industry is keen to play its part in this mission. As the Chancellor aims to drive down the number of those who are ‘economically inactive’, there is a need for better routes back into work for those that want or need it after a period of inactivity. The retail industry provides a perfect solution. It is filled with people joining and returning to the workforce. It offers local, flexible jobs, often requiring few qualifications, and part-time jobs that allow people to find their feet, work as much or as little as they are able, and balance work with other important life commitments.
“But the costs from the Budget, and uncertainty about how the Employment Rights Bill and new business rates policy will be implemented, mean it will be much harder for retailers to keep creating these kinds of jobs. So the government should avoid unintended consequences and provide clarity about the implementation of these policies as soon as possible. A serious plan for retail growth would support the industry to invest in new jobs and keep prices down for customers.”
