BRC chief executive, Helen Dickson, stated that the figures indicate a need for the Government to intervene and stop the rising cost of employment.

She explained: “Retailers are grappling with the £5bn in extra costs from higher National Insurance contributions and wages, which kicked in during April.

“They also face an additional £2bn later this year from new packaging taxes and remain concerned about the consequences of the Employment Rights Bill.

“Ensuring the new Bill supports workers’ rights without undermining retailers’ ability to continue to provide jobs and investment in people will determine whether Government achieves economic growth across the country or not.”

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