Temporary Energy Support Scheme needs to be extended for SME food retailers: RGDATA
SME employers will need financial assistance to deal with the cumulative impact of government’s proposals, says RGDATA
Print26 October 2022
RGDATA director general Tara Buckley has raised the significant challenges being faced by independent food retailers at a special post budget briefing with officials from the Department of Finance, Enterprise and Public Expenditure.
Energy costs more than doubled for most shops in March of 2022 and consumer confidence and spending has reduced so shop owners will need further supports to cover costs, keep staff in jobs and stay open for business.
Buckley also raised concerns about huge increases in property Valuations causing fears that essential retailers will now see sweeping increases in commercial rates. She said SME employers will need financial assistance to deal with the cumulative impact of all the government’s proposals regarding living wage, sick pay, pensions and circular economy initiatives such as the Latte Levy and the Deposit & Return Scheme.
Meanwhile, RGDATA President Colin Fee will lead a delegation from the Board of RGDATA to meet with Retail Minister Damien English on Thursday, 27 October. The delegation will highlight the many challenges facing RGDATA members throughout the country and seek additional government support to deal with rising business costs, energy costs, insurance, commercial rates and employment costs.
An RGDATA delegation also met with Sinn Fein’s Louise O’Reilly earlier this week to highlight the challenges facing local independent shops and to seek support for local SME food retailers to deal with the current cost of living crisis. Members from Dublin and Roscommon operating Centra, Londis, Spar and SuperValu stores made up the RGDATA delegation.
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