Government
This coverage examines government actions, policies, and regulations affecting the UK retail industry. Reporting highlights legislation, consultations, economic measures, and public statements with direct implications for retail operations, employment, taxation, and consumer behaviour. Tailored for executives and managers, it offers analysis to support strategic planning and compliance in a changing regulatory and economic environment.
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Jul- 2024 -17 JulyGovernment
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…
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9 JulyHigh Street
Cold weather chills consumer spending in June
UK Total retail sales decreased by 0.2% year on year in June, against an increase of 4.9% in June 2023, as cold weather negatively affected spending particularly on “weather sensitive categories”. The latest figures from BRC’s and KPMG’s retail sales monitor revealed that food sales increased 1.1% year-on-year over the…
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9 JulyOnline & Digital
Over 3,000 Amazon staff to vote over union recognition
Workers at Amazon’s Coventry warehouse are set to vote in a “historic” trade union recognition ballot which will force Amazon to recognise a union for the first time in the UK. More than 3,000 workers will take part in the ballot – if a majority of them vote yes, Amazon…
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2 JulyEconomy
Shop price inflation eases to 0.2% in June
Shop price annual inflation eased to 0.2% in June, down from 0.6% in May, the lowest rate of price growth since October 2021. According to the BRC and NielsenIQ shop price index, this figure is below the 3-month average rate of 0.5%. Non-food fell 1% in June, down from 0.8%…
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Jun- 2024 -11 JuneSupermarkets
One in three Asda staff attacked at work, GMB finds
One in three Asda staff have stated that they have been attacked at work, according to a new survey from the GMB union. The survey includes reports of workers being stabbed, punched and threatened with syringes. The poll of almost 1000 Asda workers found that staff had been spat at,…
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May- 2024 -24 MayEconomy
Retail sales slump 2.3% in April amid wet weather
Retail sales fell by 2.3% in volume over April, following a fall of 0.2% in March, as the retail sector was hampered by ongoing wet weather over the period. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), sales volumes were down across most sectors, with non-food stores particularly “doing badly” as…
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7 MayHigh Street
Retail sales fall 4% in April
UK total retail sales decreased by 4% YOY in April, against a growth of 5.1% in April 2023, according to the latest BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor. This was below the 3-month average growth of 0.5% and the 12-month average growth of 2.2%. However, when correcting for the distortion created by…
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Apr- 2024 -30 AprilEconomy
Shop Price annual inflation falls to 0.8% in April
Shop Price annual inflation eased to 0.8% in April, down from 1.3% in March, as it starts to show “signs of normalising”, according to the latest figures from the BRC-Nielsen Index. Non-Food entered deflation at -0.6% in April, down from 0.2% in the preceding month. This is below the three-month…
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25 AprilNews
Co-op urges communities to call on PCC to tackle retail crime
Co-op is urging employees, member-owners and communities blighted by retail crime to write to their Police and Crime Commissioners (PCC) candidates and call on them to commit a crack-down on criminals. The retail industry has seen an unprecedented rise in retail crime driven by repeat and prolific offenders, and ahead…
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10 AprilGovernment
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…
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