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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May- 2025 -9 May
UK agrees trade deal with US but 10% tariff remains
The UK and the US have reached a “first-of-a-kind” trade agreement, under which the US will slash tariffs on UK carmakers, steelworks and farmers – protecting jobs and providing stability for exporters. According to the trade deal, car export tariffs will reduce from 27.5% to 10% – saving hundreds of…
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Apr- 2025 -24 April
Chancellor mulls ending tariff-free import scheme to combat Chinese dumping
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering ending the Low Value Import scheme, which currently allows online retailers to bring goods worth up to £135 into the country without paying customs duties. The move comes as the UK prepares for an influx of Chinese companies dumping stock for cheap as a result…
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9 April
Chancellor rejects calls for ‘Buy British’ campaign
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has rejected calls for a “Buy British” campaign in the face of tariffs from president Donald Trump, claiming it would risk making the UK appear too “inward-looking”. Reeves was responding to a question from Daisy Cooper MP of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Commons to…
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7 April
Entry-level job costs jump over 10% for retailers
The cost of employing people into entry-level jobs has increased over 10% for retailers as a result of the rise in National Insurance Contributions (NICs) coupled with the increase to the National Living Wage, according to the British Retail Consortium. Alongside this, the trade body has claimed that the cost…
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Feb- 2025 -28 February
London Mayor launches proposal to pedestrianise Oxford Street
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has today (28 February) launched a public consultation on proposals to pedestrianise Oxford Street. Oxford Street is an area of critical national economic importance, with an estimated annual contribution to London’s economy of £25bn in 2022. But the area has suffered in recent years…
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25 February
Bill with stricter measures for retail crime to go before parliament
A new bill that aims to tackle retail and street crime is set for its first reading in the House of Commons today (25 February), with the hopes of introducing tougher measures to tackle retail crime and other offences. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the Crime and Policing bill, which is…
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19 February
Tougher age checks and penalties to be introduced for online knife sales
Online retailers selling knives will need to carry out more stringent age verification checks in response to a government review, amid rising concerns over the standards for age and delivery checks. As part of the new measures, retailers will be required to implement a mandatory two-step verification process and report customers…
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Jan- 2025 -23 January
CMA appoints Doug Gurr as interim chair
Former Amazon boss Doug Gurr has been appointed as interim chair of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), in a bid to boost growth and support the economy. Gurr, currently the director of the Natural History Museum, will bring a wealth of experience in the technology sector as the former…
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20 January
Pets at Home CEO warns Budget will effect part-time workers and women
Pets at Home CEO Lyssa McGowan has warned that the changes to National Insurance in the Budget will negatively impact part-time workers and women. McGowan stated in an interview with Mail on Sunday that Pets at Home faces an £18m increase in costs. The National Insurance contribution threshold will be…
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Oct- 2024 -23 October
Chancellor considers Amazon tax in bid to boost British high streets
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reportedly mulling plans to impose higher taxes on Amazon as part of a shake up that aims to level the playing field between online giants and in-store retailers. According to The Telegraph, the chancellor is believed to be reviewing the business rates paid by companies like Amazon,…
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