Retailers reducing staff numbers due to '˜perfect storm' of cost issues

Rates increases, the introduction of a national living wage and auto-enrolment pensions have been blamed for creating a “perfect storm”.

Business leader Glynn Roberts said three-quarters of retailers will reduce investment in their businesses to offset costs.

Mr Roberts said: “The perfect storm of cost issues including business rates increases, national living wage and auto enrolment pensions is resulting in 67% of them reducing staff hours, 51% reducing staff numbers and 26% postponing or cancelling investment plans.

“A staggering 79% of members tell us that compliance with excessive regulation is the biggest challenge to their business.

“This is a major wake-up call to political leaders in Stormont and Westminster that things have to change.”

Mr Roberts is chief executive of Retail NI, the new name for the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association.

He said 91% of independent businesses saw costs rise in the last year.

A comprehensive survey undertaken as part of the Creating a Northern Ireland Economic Powerhouse report highlighted:

• 71% saw their rates increase in the past year, with many querying the lack of clarity and reasoning behind the increase and the deficiency of services received in return;

• 81% believed the overall level of regulation impeded business success.

Retail NI said businesses faced the most dramatic changes in the political and economic landscape in decades and called for the immediate formation of a Stormont Assembly and Executive to tackle the challenges.

Mr Roberts said Retail NI’s immediate priority was to ensure the implementation of the new rates relief scheme jointly produced with Hospitality Ulster, which adopts a targeted approach for the independent retail and hospitality sectors.