The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) is calling on independent retailers to voice their concerns over the rising costs that employers now face.
ACS' latest Campaign Champions initiative is focusing on the potential impact of extended paid holidays, employer pension contributions and increases in the National Minimum Wage. ACS members - the so-called Campaign Champions - are being asked to write to their MPs to raise awareness of what these costs will mean.
Leo Gillen, a Nisa retailer in Hartlepool, said: "This is all about achieving a fair balance, With growing competitive pressure on margins, independent retailers can ill afford significant new costs on their business."
ACS public affairs director James Lowman said: "Extending paid holiday from four weeks to 5.6 weeks, introducing compulsory employer contributions to pensions, and any further increase in the National Minimum Wage will pile considerable costs on our members."