All Policy & legal articles – Page 2
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NewsUK public’s economic gloom continues post-Budget
Over half of Britons think the financial situation of their household will get worse over the next 12 months, according to a new YouGov poll, with 48% saying that the Budget was “unfair”
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NewsBRC welcomes Labour dropping day-one protection from unfair dismissal
The government will not be moving ahead with plans to offer workers protection from the first day of a role, with the right now set to come into force after six months
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Opinion‘If the government treats retail fairly, we can help drive the growth the UK economy so badly needs’
While yesterday’s Budget did something to take the pressure off consumers, UK retail director at Primark Kari Rodgers writes that more needs to be done by the government to help retail drive the growth it so badly craves.
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InterviewQ&A: Halfords CEO Henry Birch on the Budget, AI and Black Friday
Halfords has posted growth in both profits and sales, driven by a strong performance from its cycling business. Chief executive Henry Birch spoke to Retail Week about his reaction to yesterday’s Budget, how the retailer is implementing AI and what the consumer sentiment is like ahead of Black Friday
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Chart of the WeekCharts of the Week: How business rates will change for different parts of the sector
The government confirmed major changes to business rates coming into force next year. Here is what was announced and how rateable values will change
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AnalysisWhat’s in the Budget for retail and how has the sector reacted?
Everything unveiled by chancellor Rachel Reeves in today’s [November 26] Budget, and how the retail sector has reacted to it
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Opinion‘Down about the Budget? Don’t worry, retail, at least you’re getting an envoy!’
While today’s Budget wasn’t all doom-and-gloom for the retail sector, the almost completely buried announcement that the government is looking to appoint a new retail tsar raises plenty of questions all on its own, writes Charlotte Hardie.
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NewsGovernment confirms business rates surtax on larger commercial properties
The chancellor has confirmed the government will push ahead with introducing a surcharge on retail property rates above £500,000.
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Opinion‘Retail can lead the revival of our high streets if we choose to act together’
Anthony Houghton, group chief executive of Holland & Barrett writes that if retail truly wants to address the ever-growing issue of crime blighting the sector, businesses must come together to decide what kind of high streets they really want to build.
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NewsCo-op sets record pace with 11 store openings in one week
The investment in convenience stores comes as the retailer is continuing to call on the government to deliver business-rates reform at the November 26 Budget “to secure the future of small shops and community retail”.
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NewsChancellor delays axing of de minimis rule
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reportedly not scrapping the de minimis rule in this week’s Budget, but plans to in 2029.
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NewsWatchdog considering investigation into WHSmith profit overstatement
The UK accounting regulator is considering whether to launch a formal investigation into PwC’s auditing of WHSmith following a £30m profit overstatement in its North American division.
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NewsCo-op unveils new investment commitment to create thousands of new apprenticeships
The Co-op has committed to investing £70m to creating 7,000 new apprenticeships at the retailer by 2030, which it said will open doors for “underrepresented groups”.
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NewsConsumer confidence tumbles amid Budget fears
Consumer confidence took a tumble this month amid growing speculation about possible tax rises in the upcoming Budget, the British Retail Consortium reported.
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NewsBuy It Direct CEO hits out at CMA approach to investigation
Nick Glynne, chief executive of Appliances Direct owner Buy It Direct, has said the Competition and Markets Authority “is wrong to name our business without giving us sufficient time to respond” to its latest investigation.
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AnalysisBlack Friday: Are retailers prepared for potential cyber attacks?
It’s been a turbulent time for retail this year as cyber attacks have devastated the industry. Most notable – and most damaging – was the hack on Marks & Spencer in April.
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Opinion‘You’re their punchbag, for those few minutes’ – the horrific reality of shopworker abuse
As the industry’s busiest period gets into full swing, the Retail Trust’s Let’s Respect Retail campaign couldn’t be more timely, says Charlotte Hardie
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Chart of the WeekCharts of the Week: Black Friday, AI, search and what retail can expect
There is a lot of uncertainty around Cyber Weekend this year, with the autumn Budget, consumer behaviour changing and how consumers access products, too. To unpick those trends, here is our bumper edition of Chart of the Week
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NewsRetail sales subdued as consumers wait for Black Friday deals
Retail sales in October grew at the weakest rate since May, with many consumers appearing to delay spending until Black Friday.
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AnalysisSainsbury’s boss Roberts decks the halls with bumper profits as he looks towards Christmas
As Sainsbury’s upgraded its full-year profits to more than £1bn, chief executive Simon Roberts spoke about the consumer outlook heading into Christmas, what’s happening with the future of Argos, and the Budget.