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- 2021 -13 JulyEconomy
UK retail sales jump 13.1% in June
Total retail sales in the UK increased by 13.1% in June, according to the latest BRC-KPMG retail sales monitor. On a like-for-like basis, the country’s retail sales rose by 17% from June 2019, with non-food reporting a like-for-like sales jump of 47%. In the nation’s high street stores, sales were…
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12 JulyEconomy
Footfall flatlines in June
Footfall from shoppers in the UK plateaued despite social distancing restrictions remaining largely the same, according to new data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC). The latest Footfall Monitor from BRC and Sensormatic found that overall footfall in the UK dropped by 27.6% in June compared to the same month…
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7 JulyGovernment
Bira urges gov to support indie retailers closed by self-isolation
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has urged the Government to issue more support for indie retailers that are forced to close if staff are self-isolating. The calls follow the prime minister’s announcement that most Covid-19 restrictions will be lifted on 19 July. However, self-isolation will remain until 16 August,…
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6 JulyCoronavirus
Usdaw ‘slams’ lifting of restrictions in shops
Usdaw has “slammed” the government’s announcement that it plans to lift safety measures in stores once the final Covid restrictions are lifted on 19 July. In a speech made yesterday (5 July), the Prime Minister confirmed that face coverings would no longer be mandatory in shops from that date, whilst…
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Jun- 2021 -29 JuneAdvice
How retailers can reduce cart abandonment rates
Covid-19 restrictions have radically altered consumer shopping behaviours over the past year. While brick and mortar stores used to be at the forefront of consumers’ minds, e-commerce is now the first point of contact for anyone looking to shop. According to research, digital sales in 2020 accounted for a third…
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18 JuneGovernment
Bira takes credit for rent moratorium extension
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has taken credit for the recently announced rent moratorium extension. Revealed on 16 June, the extension will keep existing measures in place to protect commercial tenants from eviction until 25 March 2022. The trade body claimed that the Government’s decision followed extensive lobbying from…
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15 JuneCoronavirus
Sunak to reject furlough extension calls despite ‘freedom day’ delay
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is reportedly set to reject calls for an extension of the furlough scheme and business rates report to businesses despite the prime minister announcing a four-week delay to the lifting of restrictions. According to the Guardian, sources close to the chancellor have said that he believes sufficient…
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2 JuneCoronavirus Featured Content
Two-thirds of retailers face legal action in july over rents, warns BRC
Two-thirds of retailers have been told by landlords that they will be subject to legal measures from July, once the moratorium on aggressive debt enforcement ends, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC). Research conducted by the group shows that 30% of retailers have already faced County Court Judgements (CCJs)…
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May- 2021 -28 MayClothing & Shoes
JD Group chairman banks £6m in bonuses despite 75% pay cut
The executive chairman of JD Group, Peter Cowgill, was reportedly handed nearly £6m in “special bonuses” over the course of 18 months despite the company accepting more than £100m in government support. During the course of the pandemic, the group received £86.1m in furlough payments for staff and roughly £38m…
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27 MayHigh Street
Usdaw workers petition set for parliamentary debate
The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw) has revealed that its petition to protect retail staff from violence, threats and abuse has accelerated and been timetabled for a parliamentary debate on Monday 7 June 2021. Launched by the unions general secretary Paddy Lillis, the petition attracted 104,000 signatures…
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