Minimum Wage Rise Increases Pressure on Local Shops

Commenting on the decision to increase the minimum wage for adults by 2.2% to £5.93, John Drummond, Chief Executive of the Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) said,

“In our submission to the Low Pay Commission we suggested there should be no further increase to the national minimum wage until the economic conditions had significantly improved.

“A number of SGF members have experienced little growth in their businesses over the past year and cannot afford to pay additional wages.

“The Chancellors decision to increase the national minimum wage by 2.2% will force retailers to reduce hours and reconsider plans to employ new staff.

“The timing of the increase is a direct threat to jobs.”