Usdaw calls for action to save our shops, help make work pay and deliver continued improvements in access to childcare

Joanne Thomas – Usdaw general secretary says: “The legacy this Government inherited from the incompetent and chaotic Conservatives is extremely difficult and we know that times are tough. Tory and Lib Dem austerity, Boris’ bad Brexit deal and Liz Truss’ disastrous budget continue to weigh heavy on the UK economy. We welcome the steps that Labour has already announced to help save our shops, tackle the cost of living crisis, improve childcare and reform Universal Credit. 

“The Employment Rights Bill will help make work pay and improve job security, and we will be looking to the Chancellor to announce another substantial increase in minimum wage rates to reflect the cost of living and end rip-off youth rates. Usdaw has participated in the previously announced reviews on child poverty and paid parental leave, to help transform the support working parents receive. We are calling for reform of Universal Credit, including the lifting of the two-child limit, along with building on the excellent work already done to expand childcare provision.”

“Job security is a key priority for our members. The sector has lost 100,000 jobs over the past year alone, with more than 10,000 store closures. Retail is a crucial driver of employment and investment in the UK, directly employing 2.8 million people with a further 1.5 million jobs reliant on the success of the industry. The sector accounts for close to 10% of all jobs in the British economy. 

“The Government has detailed plans to support retail through a new permanent business rates reduction which Usdaw welcomes; however, we share the grave concerns of retailers about how the introduction of the higher multiplier for larger stores will impact the wider retail sector. It is deeply concerning that the British Retail Consortium has forecast 400 large-format stores are at risk of closure if they are subjected to the proposed higher multiplier.”