Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner’s proposed "biggest upgrade to workers' rights in a generation” will put yet further financial pressures on already struggling independent retailers, a trade association has warned.
Unveiling its plans – which include better access to sick pay, protection from day one from unfair dismissal and strengthened rights for pregnant women and new mothers – the government said these would “deliver economic security and growth to businesses, workers and communities across the UK”.
Responding to the proposals, Mo Razzaq, the National President of the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) said, “Independent convenience stores and newsagents are an important part of the communities across the UK, providing employment opportunities and, in many cases, giving young people their first jobs.
“As responsible retailers, we want to ensure that employees are treated fairly, but many of these proposed changes will have cost implications on small retailers who are already struggling financially because of rising bills and sluggish sales.
Razzaq continued, “It is important for the Fed to engage with the government as it consults on these proposals to ensure that the measures introduced are both practical and workable for independent retailers.”
