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RetailersUncategorized

Bira vows to ‘fight’ for retailers who missed out on Covid-19 support

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has vowed to continue to “fight for retailers” who have missed out on government support.

The pledge follows the findings of the treasury select committee that one million people had missed out on receiving any financial support during the pandemic.

The committee’s report is supported by Bira’s own research which revealed many of ite members found themselves “ineligible” for government support.

Bira said the members who missed out included those who have recently started a business and so don’t have enough information about company turnover, and those of you who pay yourselves through dividends.

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Andrew Goodacre, Bira’s CEO, said: “Bira has been saying since the Government’s schemes were introduced that too many of our members would not receive any support; rates too high, previous income too high, earnings through dividend were all barriers to receiving urgent support.

“Even though shops are re-opening we believe that more must be done to support these people whose livelihoods are at risk.”

The news comes as Bira expressed concern for proposed relaxation of Sunday trading laws.

Under plans being suggested by the government, England could suspend Sunday trading laws for a year in a bid to boost the economy.

However, Bira, who has added its support to the ‘Keep Sunday Special campaign’, is opposed to the proposals, saying it would not benefit small independent retailers.

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