The BRC has unveiled its election manifesto, setting out how the next government can “support the industry as it navigates a transformation driven by new technology and changing consumer behaviour”.
A Vision for the UK Retail Industry sets out three key priorities the trade organisation believes the next government should focus on to support the retail sector.
It calls for the next government to relieve the burden of business rates by “scrapping ‘downwards transition’, which takes £1.3bn from retailers every five years”; reform elements of the apprenticeship levy to “allow greater flexibility to spend on any accredited training”; and to act on retail crime by making explicit reference to it in police and crime commissioners’ plans.
The manifesto also says the sector needs urgent action on a childhood obesity strategy and on Brexit, to “ensure a fair deal for consumers” – which includes prioritising “tariff-free trade with EU partners” and frictionless trade.
The BRC said the retail industry accounts for 5% of the total UK economy and contributes £98.4bn gross value added annually. It also generates £17bn in business taxes and is the largest private-sector employer in the country, with more than 3 million people directly employed.
BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “A Vision for the UK Retail Industry offers a path to empowering our shops, our shopworkers and our communities. Political parties should grasp this chance for reform. The general election is a unique opportunity to address many of the imbalances that are adversely affecting retailers. Imbalances that have led to job losses and store closures up and down the country.
“Fixing the broken business rates system and reforming the apprenticeship levy would help unlock the necessary investment into skills, stores and online necessary to allow retail to thrive.”
The UK is set to go to the polls on December 12.
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