Local shops a vital source of employment, report shows

A report published by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has found that local shops are a valuable source of flexible jobs for people with commitments.

The report showed that local shops are now a vital source of employment, with the sector employing 390,000 people.

Popular

Convenience stores have grown in popularity as a result of offering more services locally.

Over £600 million has been invested into local stores to enable them to improve their services, with 28 per cent now offering parcel services and 10 per cent offering a click and collect service.

According to the report, more convenience store workers are also working part-time.

Hard-working

The report also found that entrepreneurs who run a convenience store are amongst some of the hardest-working people in the UK, with 24 per cent working over 70 hours a week.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Running a successful convenience store requires a lot of hard work and a strong connection to the local community to ensure that the store stays relevant.

“We need help from [the] Government to reduce the cost of doing business to help these increasingly important shops open and thriving in communities up and down the country.”