ACS – the Association of Convenience Stores – has responded to the publication of a new consultation on addressing one-sided employment flexibility, highlighting the existing ways that convenience store retailers provide genuine two-sided flexibility and security for their colleagues.
The consultation, which will run until 25th August, seeks views on the implementation of rights that have become law through the Employment Rights Act, specifically:
- Guaranteed hours, where the number of hours offered reflects the hours worked by a qualifying worker during a reference period
- Reasonable notice of shifts and changes to these
- Payment for shifts cancelled, curtailed or moved at short notice
ACS has been engaging with the UK Government throughout the implementation of the Employment Rights Act, highlighting the importance of any measures being both pro-worker and pro-business to avoid unintended consequences that put unnecessary burdens on employers that already provide a high level of flexibility.
Figures from the 2026 ACS Colleague Survey show that one in three colleagues in convenience stores have been in the job for more than 10 years, 96% are employed on a permanent contract, and more than three quarters report never having had a shift cancelled.
ACS chief executive Ed Woodall said:
“Local shops are responsible employers, offering store colleagues regular hours and notice of shifts. We support the government's aim of addressing one-sided flexibility, but these proposals risk adding further cost and complexity at a time when retailers are already facing significant pressure from higher business taxes and increased regulation.
“It is important that any new rights do not inadvertently reduce flexible employment opportunities for both employers and employees, or add unnecessary costs to hiring in an already tight labour market.”
ACS is currently surveying convenience retailers on the challenges that they experience when employing people. The 2026 Employment Survey is currently open for responses here. The deadline to respond to the survey is Friday 5 June.
The full consultation document from the Department for Business and Trade is available here. ACS will be responding to the consultation in due course.
