Retailers are being urged to submit evidence on the impact of the rising National Minimum Wage on their businesses.

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) is encouraging store owners to return a questionnaire focusing on the impacts of past increases on job creation, hours and investment in business growth.

The findings will be used to make a strong case to the Low Pay Commission about recent and future changes to the National Minimum Wage and will be the centrepiece of ACS’ submission to the Commission later this year.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Each year we give written and oral evidence to the Low Pay Commission, and support from our members is vital in explaining how retailers respond to increases in the National Minimum Wage. By spending a few minutes adding their personal experiences to our evidence base, retailers will be able to have a real impact on the decision making process of the Commission. Increases in the National Minimum Wage must not come at the expense of businesses and jobs.”

From October 1 2013, the National Minimum Wage for adults will increase by 12p to £6.31 an hour while the 18-20 year-old rate will increase to £5.03 an hour and the 16-17-year-old rate climbs to £3.72 an hour. The apprentice rate will increase by 3p to £2.68 an hour.

Retailers have until August 23 to submit evidence to the ACS. Evidence can be submitted here.