Scottish Grocers’ Federation General Election Manifesto 2024

The leading trade association for the Scottish convenience sector has published its manifesto ahead of the General Election on 4th July. Setting out key priorities for the next UK Government and calling for newly elected MPs to support their local shops.

The Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF) represents over 5,000 convenience stores, which provide over 49,000 jobs in Scotland. The sector also contributes £47.1bn worth of sales, £10.6bn in GVA and £9.1bn in taxes across the UK. 

Local retailers now face a range of challenges from both the UK Government and the Scottish Government. Including tighter restrictions across several product categories, new regulations on waste management, increasing costs for providing vital local employment, and a real terms reduction in support for business rates.

On top of the burden of regulation, the retail sector is contending with unprecedented levels of crime, theft, and abuse toward staff, and persistently high food inflation.

You can read the full document here.