ACS warns Business Secretary about meddling with National Minimum Wage
The Association of Convenience Stores has warned Business Secretary Vincent Cable about the dangers of political interference in the setting of the national minimum wage.
On the National Minimum Wage, Cable said: “The National Minimum Wage is a vital safety net in protecting the low paid. However, as signs of an economic recovery start to emerge, we need to do more to make sure that the benefits of growth are shared fairly across the board.
“The Low Pay Commission every year carries out a huge amount of valuable, detailed work looking at labour conditions across the economy. Today, in addition to their ongoing annual remit, I am asking them to extend this expertise to help the government and business understand how we can deal with the issue of low wages in the economy. In particular I have asked them to look at what economic conditions would be needed to allow the National Minimum Wage to rise by more than current conditions allow.”
James Lowman, ACS chief executive, said the National Minimum Wage at current levels was affecting jobs and growth among local shops. He said: “As the National Minimum Wage rate has increased, we have seen pay structures squeezed, investment decisions delayed and independent retailers taking on more hours themselves.
“The Business Secretary should not lose sight of the impact of increased employment costs on the everyday entrepreneurs who can drive the recovery by investing in communities up and down the country.
“The Low Pay Commission play a positive role in reviewing and evaluating the National Minimum Wage, taking into account all relevant factors and listening to evidence from businesses and employee groups. Politicians should let the Commission do their job.”
