National Living Wage
This coverage explores the implications of the National Living Wage for UK retailers, including its impact on staffing costs, operational decisions, and workforce management. Reporting highlights wage policy changes, employer responses, legal obligations, and strategies to balance compliance with commercial performance — providing insight for retail executives, HR managers, and business owners navigating wage legislation.
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Mar- 2020 -27 MarchCoronavirus
What we know about furlough leave and the CJRS
HMRC published details of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) on 26.3.20 which are available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme Key points include: Employees that employers can claim CJRS for For the purposes of CJRS, the definition of employee would include workers and agency workers provided they are subject to PAYE i.e. this…
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Feb- 2020 -3 FebruarySupermarkets
Iceland launches trial to reduce plastic packaging by 93%
Iceland has revealed it will be reducing plastic packaging by 93% across its range of fresh produce. The trial launched on 22 January in 33 of its stores across London and the South East region and will see the frozen food retailer remove or “significantly” reduce the plastic content in…
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Jan- 2020 -27 JanuarySupermarkets
Iceland launches review of its management structure
Frozen food retailer Iceland has confirmed it has launched a review of its management structure, but has denied that any jobs are at risk. Iceland has confirmed reports it has started a review with a formal consultation process expected to take place within weeks however has claimed that as of…
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Jul- 2019 -10 JulyAdvice
The impact of Brexit on the UK retail market
It’s no secret that the UK retail sector is facing a serious crisis, with the demise of several vendors including HMV, Toys R Us and LK Bennett a stark example of companies which have failed to stay afloat. But where did it all begin and what actions can retailers take…
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Jun- 2019 -14 JuneSupermarkets
Iceland earnings down 8.7% following ‘disappointing’ first half
Frozen food supermarket Iceland has reported an 8.7% drop in adjusted EBITDA to £140.1m, down £13.4m, for the year ending 29 March 2019. The group said the reduction occurred entirely in the first half of the year and reflected sales performance, increased staffing costs as a result of the rise…
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Apr- 2019 -8 AprilClothing & Shoes
Ann Summers calls in advisers after £3.3m loss
Lingerie retailer, Ann Summers, has announced it has appointed a property adviser in order to help with rent reductions, after a £3.3m loss last year replaced a £2.9m profit in the year previous. The retailer blamed rising store costs along with the fall of sterling due to Brexit, which it…
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Jan- 2019 -31 JanuarySupply Chain
Lidl opens 13th and largest UK distribution centre
Lidl UK has announced the opening of its 13th and largest Regional Distribution Centre (RDC) in Doncaster. The warehouse, which represents a £70m investment in Lidl’s expansion and logistics, will initially provide support to 53 Lidl stores across south Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the Midlands. Earlier this month, Lidl opened a…
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Dec- 2018 -3 DecemberHigh Street
McColl’s posts second profit warning amid ‘unprecedented supply chain disruption’
Convenience retailer McColl’s has announced that full-year profits are to come in below expectations as a result of “unprecedented supply chain disruption” following the collapse of supplier Palmer & Harvey. In light of “transitional challenges and continued difficult trading conditions”, McColl’s announced adjusted EBITDA for FY18 is now expected to…
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Sep- 2018 -24 SeptemberGovernment
Retail found to have second highest number of underpaid staff
The retail sector was estimated to have the second highest number of staff who were paid less than minimum wage, accounting for 51,300 jobs. This is according to a report by HMRC as part of the government’s investigation and initiative to clampdown on employers underpaying their staff. The hospitality sector had…
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Jul- 2018 -10 JulyGovernment
Home Bargains ‘underpaid staff £272k’
Discount retailer TJ Morris Limited, trading as Home Bargains, has failed to pay the national minimum wage to its staff according to the UK government. Home Bargains appeared second in a government list of nearly 240 employers who had not paid the National Living and Minimum Wage, with the retailer…
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