Government
Government covers the policies, regulations, and political developments impacting the UK retail industry. This section reports on government initiatives, legislative changes, taxation, employment law, and sustainability policy, analysing how they affect retailers’ operations and strategic planning. Retail Sector’s Government coverage provides retail leaders, compliance teams, and business owners with informed insight into regulatory trends and public-sector engagement shaping the commercial environment across the retail sector.
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Jan- 2026 -2 January
Retailers to benefit as 40% first-year tax allowance comes into force
Retail businesses making new investments in stores and supply chains are now able to claim larger upfront tax relief, following the introduction of a new 40% first-year allowance on plant and machinery. The allowance, which was set out at Budget 2025 and came into force on 1 January 2026, enables…
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Dec- 2025 -9 December
Government sets out £725m apprenticeship reforms
The government has announced a £725m package of apprenticeship reforms intended to expand training routes for young people and address rising youth unemployment over the next three years. Under the plans, ministers expect about 50,000 young people to benefit from new apprenticeship and training opportunities. The programme includes a £140m…
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Nov- 2025 -28 November
BRC welcomes unfair dismissal u-turn
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has welcomed news that the government is no longer planning to include unfair dismissal from day one in its Employment Rights Bill. Under the proposals, employees would have been able to take their employers to tribunal for unfair dismissal from their first day of employment…
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24 November
Reeves to delay end of low-value import tax break until 2029
Britain will scrap the long-standing tax exemption on low-value imports in 2029, delaying a move sought by major retailers who say the current regime hands an advantage to fast-growing overseas platforms, The Times has reported. It comes as the Treasury has confirmed it will abolish the “de minimis” rule –…
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4 November
BRC urges MPs to back peers’ changes to Employment Rights Bill
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has called on MPs to support amendments made by peers to the Employment Rights Bill when it returns to the House of Commons tomorrow (Wednesday 4 November). While the trade body has supported the government’s aim of tackling “unscrupulous employers”, it also warned that parts…
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Oct- 2025 -30 October
Usdaw condemns peers for voting down Employment Rights bill
Usdaw has condemned Conservative and Liberal Democrat peers in the House of Lords for voting against various parts of the Employment Rights Bill, sending it back to the House of Commons. Tory and Lib Dem peers voted against measures surrounding zero-hours contracts, unfair dismissal from day one, industrial action ballot…
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20 October
BRC welcomes progress on Crime and Policing Bill
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has welcomed progress on the Crime and Policing Bill as it completed its Second Reading in the House of Lords yesterday, and will now go to the Committee Stage. The bill will remove the £200 threshold for ‘low level’ theft which the organisation believes will…
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Sep- 2025 -16 September
Usdaw calls on peers to end opposition to Employment Rights Bill
Retail union Usdaw has urged Conservative and Liberal Democrat peers to drop their opposition to the Employment Rights Bill after the government rejected all amendments proposed in the House of Lords. It said the Employment Rights Bill would enact “major” changes to UK employment law. Key proposals include banning exploitative…
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Jul- 2025 -16 July
Employment Rights Bill could cause ‘chronic’ overstaffing, Next boss warns
The boss of Next has warned that the Employment Rights Bill may leave businesses “chronically overstaffed”, particularly during seasonal quiet periods. Speaking at a House of Lords debate on Monday (14 July), Lord Wolfson said plans to ban zero-hours contracts and require companies to give staff a guaranteed minimum number…
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14 July
Reeves eyes business rates rise for supermarkets and department stores
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reportedly considering increasing business rates for department stores and supermarkets as she looks to raise £1.7bn from businesses this autumn, according to The Telegraph. The outlet revealed that the chancellor is looking to plug the £5bn hole left after the government was forced to abandon cuts…
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