BRC welcomes Labour manifesto

The BRC has welcomed Labour’s manifesto, saying it includes “many of the right policies” to help retail invest in the future, upskill its workforce, and play its part in growing the economy. 

If elected, Labour has promised to make changes that will have a “meaningful” impact to retailers and their customers. 

Labour has also recognised the current business rates system is broken, as it limits business investment and leaves many retail premises empty. 

However, the BRC has noted that retailers will want to see the details of what any replacement to the current system would look like. 

Helen Dickinson, CEO of the BRC, said: “It is essential any new system brings down the disproportionate burden on retail, which currently pays 22% of the total rates bill, while accounting for 5% of the economy. Such reforms have the potential to incentivise vital investment and help diverse shopping destinations to thrive. 

“While any plans are being consulted on, it is vital the current multiplier is frozen. Any solution must acknowledge that today’s customers shop both on our high streets and online and a fairer system must not harm their ability to get high quality, affordable items.”

Dickinson has also praised Labour for “hitting the nail on the head” in regards to the current Apprenticeship Levy, which the party intends to change to a flexible Growth and Skills Levy. 

She added: “Ensuring the three million retail workers in this country feel empowered and protected is something everyone should get behind. Given the breadth of Labour’s ‘New Deal for Working People’, we are reassured by their commitment to consulting business further on the implementation of these proposals.

“We also welcome the pledge to create a new specific offence for assaulting a retail worker to protect our colleagues from both threats and violence. Furthermore, the manifesto pledges to get tough on shoplifting, which cost retailers £1.8bn in 2023/24.”