Association of Convenience Stores

03/06/2026

📢 Have your say: ACS Employment Survey 2026📢

One of the strengths of the convenience sector has always been its ability to offer flexibility that works for both colleagues and employers.

Recent ACS insights highlight just how important that balance is:
✅96% of colleagues are on permanent contracts
✅One in three have been in their role for over 10 years
✅Over 75% of colleagues report consistent, reliable shifts

As discussions continue around employment reforms, including guaranteed hours and shift notice, it’s important that any changes reflect the realities of our sector, and build on the flexibility that’s already supporting both businesses and their teams.

📝 The 2026 ACS Employment Survey is a chance to share your experience and highlight what’s working, as well as the challenges retailers are facing day to day.

If you’re a retailer, I’d really encourage you to take a few minutes to respond. Your input helps ensure future policy is both practical and proportionate.

🔗Link to survey here:

Questions on employment, wage rates, recruitment and policy.

02/06/2026

The Retail Handling Fees for the upcoming Deposit Return Scheme have been confirmed, and we've warned that for many retailers, they could mean stores losing money every year for providing a return point.

In response to the announcement, ACS chief executive Ed Woodall said: "Hosting a return point should be cost neutral for local shops, but the handling fees announced today will mean some neighbourhood convenience stores will be net losers under the deposit return scheme or force them to run burdensome manual return points.

“Convenience retailers want to be part of the scheme and providing those services in their community, but they should not be financially punished for doing so. We hope that Exchange for Change will continue to look closely at the handling fees to optimise the network of return points for customers and all convenience retailers.”

Full reaction here: https://www.acs.org.uk/news/retail-handling-fees-do-not-go-far-enough-ensure-cost-neutral-scheme-local-shops

26/05/2026

Great to join Labour’s , Michelle Scrogham MP, on a visit to Yarlside Stores in Barrow, run by Vino and his brother-in-law Murug 🏪

It’s easy for conversations about the sector to focus on the challenges, but this visit was a powerful reminder of the positive impact local shops deliver every day. From supporting local fundraising initiatives, to providing essential services for older customers, Yarlside Stores is a great example of a community retailer at its best.

We also welcomed the recent announcements on high street renewal and additional funding to tackle rogue traders, key priorities that ACS has long championed.

While there’s still more to do, visits like this highlight the vital role convenience stores play in communities across the UK. Creating the right environment for these stores to flourish is more important than ever.

21/05/2026

Great to engage with the Department for Business and Trade and the Low Pay Commission this week, making sure the voice of local shops is heard.

We brought retailers directly into key policy discussions and helped shape thinking ahead of our submission next month, particularly on zero-hours contracts and third-party harassment.

👉 If you haven’t yet contributed to this work, there’s still time. Our Employment Survey is open and your input will directly inform our advocacy: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ACSEmployment2026

19/05/2026

🚨 A major win for local shops and communities 🚨

We’re proud to see the impact of ACS’ sustained campaigning recognised in the latest government action on tackling rogue traders.

The announcement of £30 million in funding, including £6 million specifically for Trading Standards, is a crucial step forward in strengthening enforcement and protecting responsible retailers.

For too long, rogue traders have undermined legitimate businesses, putting consumers at risk and eroding trust in local high streets. This investment sends a clear signal: enforcement matters, and those who play by the rules deserve to be protected.

What this means:
✅ Stronger enforcement against illegal trading activity
✅ Better resourcing for Trading Standards teams on the ground
✅ Greater protection for responsible retailers and their customers

We look forward to seeing this investment make a real difference on the ground for retailers and the communities they serve.

🔗 https://www.acs.org.uk/press-releases/acs-welcomes-stronger-enforcement-against-rogue-traders

15/05/2026

Thanks to John Milne MP for coming down to Budgens Southwater and Post Office this week, a brilliant store with a long community history in the area.

15/05/2026

We're pleased to have signed this open letter along with other business leaders, condemning all forms of antisemitism. The convenience sector is a place where everyone should be welcome.

13/05/2026

Our 60 second round up of the Kings Speech and the announcements that will affect local shops.

1. The Police Reform Bill

2. The Digital Access to Services Bill

3. The Energy Independence Bill

4. The Competition Reform Bill

5. The Small Business Protections (Late Payments) Bill

12/05/2026

https://www.acs.org.uk/news/acs-promotes-chris-noice-and-jordan-newfield-new-roles-external-affairs-team

ACS has promoted Chris Noice and Jordan Newfield to new roles to further strengthen its campaigning voice to Government.

07/05/2026

Where do the parties line up on the issues affecting local shops?

For anyone heading to the polls today in Wales and Scotland, we've put together our 'Manifestos at a Glance' resources to help you easily compare the commitments made by the main parties on issues like crime, high streets, environmental policy and employment.

Both the Wales and Scotland infographics are available to download in full from our website here: https://www.acs.org.uk/news/manifestos-glance-welsh-and-scottish-elections