NAJ joins campaign to reverse scrapping of VAT-free shopping

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has teamed up with 15 other trade associations to campaign against the government’s plan to scrap VAT-free shopping for international visitors.

According to a report published by the New West End company and Global Blue, the plan would result in the number of EU visitors to the UK being reduced by 7.3% and up to 41,000 jobs will be lost.

The Association for International Retail, which is leading the campaign, has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for the plans to be reversed.

Gary Wroe, chair of the NAJ, said: ‘‘A number of our members will be greatly impacted by this planned abolishment, not just in London but also across major UK cities, where inner city retail has already been hit hard with the effects of Covid-19.

‘‘If these plans were to go ahead, it would leave Britain as the only European country not offering tax free shopping, which will likely lead to high spending international visitors avoiding Britain’s jewellery stores as a shopping destination for jewellery and watches.’’