The Government's "shocking" policy on business rates, knife selling and the Employment Rights Act are among the areas of focus for Bira this month.

Read the latest update from Andrew Goodacre, CEO

 

Hello,

There are a number of areas of focus for Bira this month.

Much of our time has been spent arguing about the Government policy on business rates. What the government has done is quite shocking. Whilst large stores around the UK will be paying less (I found a large Tesco superstore in Bolton that will pay £190,000 less for each of the next three years), our members will on average pay 15%, 25% and 40% more over the next three years. Pubs have also received extra support, and we have made our feelings about that awful decision very clear. In the past rates relief has always been for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses. Splitting out pubs on their own makes no sense whatsoever.

Away from business rates, we are also busy dealing with the proposal for all retailers selling knives to have a licence. Obviously we are completely against knife crime and dangerous knives falling into the hands of the wrong people. However, we are not convinced that licensing will prevent the poor retailers from selling knives, especially on-line. We will see how this one plays out but we expect licencing of some sort to be made legal.

Finally we have been working hard on the Employment Rights Act. Significant changes are coming in April, and there will be more in October and again in April 2027. Once again we support the intentions to treat employees fairly. Our concern is that the new regulations will bring about disproportionate costs for smaller retailers, and reduce job opportunities for younger people.

Thank you.

Andrew

Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre
 

Bira's advocacy takes your voice to the heart of Parliament

Bira is at the forefront of championing the cause of independent traders and shopkeepers across Britain.

Our campaigns cover a wide spectrum of issues crucial to the success of independent traders including:

  • Combatting the rising tide of retail crime
  • Advocating for changes in legislation that promote fairness and flexibility
  • Fighting for fairer business rates
  • Overall reducing the regulatory burden
  • £1 billion damages claim against Amazon by UK retailers
Learn more about our advocacy efforts
 

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We’re talking to a cross section of our members from across the UK, from single retail outlets to small chains, and from large department stores to leisure and hospitality.

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