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.
-
Sep- 2024 -17 September
Sadiq Khan unveils plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has again set out proposals to transform Oxford Street, including turning the road into a traffic-free pedestrianised avenue, in a bid to make it the “leading retail destination in the world.” The mayor has previously tried to implement major changes to Oxford Street, but…
Read More » -
6 September
CBI boss calls for gov to fix ‘antiquated’ rates system
CBI CEO Rain Newton-Smith has called on the government to fix the “antiquated” business rates rules in England to boost investment and grow the economy. Ahead of the Autumn Budget, the CBI convened firms from 12 sectors, including retail and manufacturing, to develop cross-economy solutions for a competitive and transparent…
Read More » -
Jul- 2024 -17 July
Starmer vows to ‘make work pay’ in King’s Speech
The new Labour government has outlined its main goals for the new parliament as part of the King’s Speech today (17 July) with a central focus of “ improving living standards for working people through economic growth”. Key points outlined in the speech, read by the King but written by…
Read More » -
5 July
Time for Starmer to ‘get down to business’, says BRC
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has stated that it is time for Keir Starmer and the Labour Party to “get down to business” after he emerged victorious in the general election. BRC chair Helen Dickinson stated that the organisation now awaits details of how Starmer will take his promises forward.…
Read More » -
4 July
EU proposes new custom duties to curb Chinese imports
The EU has reportedly drawn up plans to impose custom duties on cheap products from Chinese online retailers such as Temu and Shein in a bid to dampen a rise in what it has called “substandard items”, the Financial Times has reported. The FT reported that The European Commission plans…
Read More » -
Jun- 2024 -14 June
BRC welcomes Labour manifesto
The BRC has welcomed Labour’s manifesto, saying it includes “many of the right policies” to help retail invest in the future, upskill its workforce, and play its part in growing the economy. If elected, Labour has promised to make changes that will have a “meaningful” impact to retailers and their…
Read More » -
May- 2024 -22 May
General election called for 4 July
Prime minister Rishi Sunak has confirmed that a general election will take place on Thursday 4 July. The prime minister informed the cabinet of his plans in a meeting held this afternoon (22 May). As a result the parliament will be dissolved next week. Sunak had previously confirmed that an…
Read More » -
Apr- 2024 -10 April
Assault of retail staff to be made specific criminal offence
The Government has announced that assaulting a retail worker will be made a standalone criminal offence and serial or abusive shoplifters will face tougher punishments under new laws included in its Criminal Justice Bill. Perpetrators could be sent to prison for up to six months, receive an unlimited fine and…
Read More » -
5 April
Theo Paphitis slams gov’s ‘disappointing’ attitude towards retail
Theo Paphitis has called out the government’s “disappointing” attitude towards the industry’s importance, Retail Week has reported. It comes as Paphitis’ retail group, which comprises Ryman, Robert Dyas and Boux Avenue, achieved improved profitability in its full-year results. Paphitis said he had increased investment in his brands, whilst the government was…
Read More » -
Feb- 2024 -14 February
Abuse of retail workers almost doubles to 1,300 incidents a day
Violence and abuse against retail workers jumped almost 50% as the number of incidents rose to 1,300 per day in 2022/23 from almost 870 per day the year before, according to data from the British Retail Consortium. This rise comes despite retailers investing heavily in crime prevention, spending £1.2bn on…
Read More »
