Chancellor offered ‘no specific help’ for the retail industry, union says

The union had wanted to see the chancellor level the playing field between the high street and online retailers by announcing an online sales tax.

However, the chancellor launched the Jobs Support Scheme, among other measures to support businesses.

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary, said: “The chancellor today needed to demonstrate the government will work with unions and employers on an immediate recovery plan that will give targeted support to retail.

“High streets need radical and bold action to level the playing field between online retail and ‘bricks and mortar’ shops. The time is long overdue for the government to look seriously at introducing some form of online sales tax.

“Today we saw no indication that the government is going to intervene in a struggling retail industry, which is the cornerstone of our towns, cities and communities. Retail employs around three million people and needs urgent assistance to get the industry back on its feet.”

The coronavirus pandemic has so far resulted in 125,000 jobs lost in retail, while 14,000 shops have permanently closed.

What measures could the government introduce to help your business during the pandemic? Email liz.wells@emap.com to feature in this month’s Soap Box.