Convenience stores ideal for flexible working, says ACS

Responding to the consultation “Making Flexible Working the Default”, ACS chief executive James Lowman said that convenience stores employ 392,000 people across the country, with nearly two thirds of them needing to fit work around childcare or other family commitments.

Lowman said: “The convenience sector offers genuinely local, secure and flexible employment to thousands of people across the UK and this is achieved through open communication through retailers and store colleagues.

“Flexible working for shop floor colleagues is commonplace in local shops and it is important that any changes to regulations to do not undermine this approach to flexibility but instead encourages proactive conversations which balance business and colleague needs and preferences.”

The ACS’ key recommendations to the consultation are:

• Recognise the value of informal flexible working arrangements commonplace in the convenience sector
• Retain a right to request flexible working
• Publish statutory guidance for employers on responding to requests and considering alternative arrangements
• Review the impact of national minimum wage regulations on flexible working, including time off in lieu