A senior delegation from the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) has met with the Secretary of State to discuss concerns over the National Living Wage and the current political crisis at Stormont.
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NIIRTA meets the Secreatyry of State Theresa Villiers.[/caption]
Speaking after the meeting NIIRTA Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said: “While our focus at the meeting was on the economy, the elephant in the room is the current threat to the future of the Assembly.
“If the Assembly and Executive falls, it will make it increasingly difficult to address challenges around planning reform, rating policy, town centre dereliction, Corporation Tax and many other key economic priorities.
“Political stability is a bottom line for successful economic development and if the Assembly falls, the international headlines will damage our reputation as a location for Foreign Direct Investment and starting a business.
“We need to see a sustained effort by all parties to show leadership, work through the problems, find agreement and get back to making the economy the central political focus. Full implementation of the Stormont House Agreement is the best way forward and we urge all the key players to go the extra mile to make this happen.
Turning to the proposed National Living Wage, Mr Roberts said: “NIIRTA has huge concerns with our members being able to afford the proposed National Living Wage and remaining competitive with ever increasing rates, energy costs auto-enrolment pensions and red tape”
“NIIRTA members want to see their staff paid a fair wage, but the UK Government’s timescale of a 40% increase in their wages bill by 2020 is unachievable. We urged the Secretary of State to discuss with her Treasury colleagues greater flexibility of tax relief to assist our members with the £9 per hour by 2020.”
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From 1 October 2015, the rates will be: 21 and over – £6.70. 18 to 20 – £5.30. Under 18 – £3.87. Apprentice – £3.30.
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