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The government is taking out more from “our pot” than putting in is the simple arithmetic here. Nobody can dispute that. The examples of half-hearted rates support and not a full review, pension contribution, minimum wage on a permanent upward trajectory well above the rate of inflation and not to mention useless legislation of little or no value heaped on the convenience sector is not helping us. The government has acknowledged that the sector is one of the largest employer in the country keeping communities together yet no overall strategy from the government.
The idea that the savings will go to public services is equally laughable. Its bit like saying all the road tax will go towards improving our infra structure.
Retailers cannot cut back and cross subsidise the wage bill any longer. Most of the businesses have cut to the bone and any more would then have a negative impact on shoplifting and security, never mind holiday cover, sickness etc. etc. .
I strongly believe we have a great future in the convenience sector if only the government stops looking at “bricks & mortar” businesses as cash cows they can tap into whilst leaving online businesses and coffee houses with an unfair tax advantage. We have some of best outcome with the consolidation that is taking place now which will help us compete with the market in terms of price and quality. Hope it all works out is all I can say….

Arjan Mehr Londis Bracknell