Party leader to speak at annual SGF conference
SCOTTISH Labour leader Anas Sarwar has commended the “invaluable service” of the convenience sector and pushed for fresh leadership on the economy.
Speaking ahead of his appearance at the Scottish Grocers’ Federation‘s (SGF) annual conference – set to take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow on 2 October – Sarwar has said his party will always stand alongside the convenience retail sector.
He said: “Across Scotland, retail workers in convenience stores go above and beyond every day to look after people in the community.
“That’s why I am proud that Scottish Labour lead the way in tackling the scourge of violence against retail workers.
“It is simply wrong that Scotland’s grocery business face so much uncertainty due to the harsh economic climate and the complete lack of economic leadership from the Scottish Government.
“Scottish Labour will always stand shoulder to shoulder with retail workers and work with small businesses to deliver the change we need.”
Sarwar’s pitch to support the sector comes off the back of a particularly gruelling year for convenience retail workers, with constant struggles including the cost-of-living crisis and retail crime.
Crime remains a top issue with store workers as well as the SGF has found there has been 13,857 cases of abuse and violence toward shop workers reported in the past four years, with the average cost of shop theft for convenience stores soaring to approximately £12,000 per year.
Pete Cheema, chief executive at the SGF, said: “Convenience stores are at the very heart of many communities, they are crucial to the Scottish economy, and the SGF conference is the flagship event for the sector.
“So, it’s hugely encouraging that Mr Sarwar and Scottish Labour have made attending a priority.
“It’s a time of great change for retail. Some good, but there are also many challenges for the sector and small businesses in general.
“The agenda for this year’s conference shows that our members are doing their best to innovate and build for the future. That is why we need government to re-focus on supporting retail businesses and helping to build that prosperous future.”
