Campaign Issues

Indexing the National Minimum Wage so it won’t cost jobs
Effective lobbying on the impact of future increases in National Minimum Wage on pay differentials with the clear objective of securing index-linking saving the sector up to £1.1 billion.

Battling the rate burden
Prevent both the introduction of a local sales tax estimated at £14 billion and the relocalisation of business rates worth £1.25 billion and to protect retailers against unmanageable increases in rates bills in 2005 estimated at £400 million.

Calling time on unfair leases
Secure the development of a legislative framework which will deliver greater flexibility in the commercial property market for retail occupiers.

Fighting for a waste system that doesn’t cost the earth
Secure a cost effective and flexible retail compliance scheme as an alternative to in-store take-back and with potential savings of £350 million over a three year implementation.

Ending Mastercard’s retail “levy”
Challenge the OFT over its continuing delay in making a final decision on MasterCard’s infringement of the Competition Act 1998 and seek to secure a reduction in the fees which act as a levy on “retail transactions” with a potential saving of £250 million.

Ensuring retailers don’t pay for others’ crimes
Ensure the Government does not transfer the cost of criminal injuries compensation valued at £6.2 millionto the retail sector.

Making food policy easier to swallow
To campaign for nutrition and health policies and regulation covering the composition, labelling and promotion of food, which are based on sound evidence and recognize the importance of consumer choice. Unnecessary changes to labeling laws could cost the sector £150 million.