Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says: “Today the Prime Minister claimed to want to ‘build back better’, but then failed to offer any comfort or help for the retail industry, just like his Chancellor yesterday. Both missed an opportunity to be bold and implement meaningful action to rebuild the retail industry.
"The Prime Minister did acknowledge that the pandemic had accelerated the growth of internet shopping, but offered no solutions. We fear that indicates they’ve given up on the high street and are prepared to see businesses, shops and jobs go to the wall. The Coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on retail. So far this year 125,000 jobs have been lost in retail and 14,000 shops have permanently closed.
“The Government must work with unions and employers on an immediate recovery plan that will give targeted support to retail, the cornerstone of our towns, cities and communities. It is the biggest private sector employer and needs urgent assistance to get the industry back on its feet.”
Usdaw is calling for an urgent recovery plan from Government to address the challenges facing retail, which should include:
- Fundamental reform of business rates.
- An immediate and comprehensive review of rental values and lease arrangements.
- Reform of UK tax law to level the playing field between online and bricks and mortar retailers.
- Funding for local authorities so they can invest in their local economy.
- Investment in skills for retail workers.
- A new deal for workers based around a real living wage and guaranteed hours.
Notes for editors:
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union with over 400,000 members. Membership has increased by more than one-third over the last couple of decades. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter
@UsdawUnion