As many as 30% of c-store retailers will have to make significant changes to their businesses as a result of April’s increase in statutory wage rates, according to a new survey by HIM Research & Consulting, commissioned by C-Store.

The poll of 300 retailers revealed that three in 10 will be significantly rethinking staffing levels as a result of the increase, which will see the pay rate for over-25s jump from £6.70 an hour to £7.20 on 1 April as part of the creation of the National Living Wage (NLW).

Of the 30% who will be making changes, 20% will be reducing staff numbers, and 80% will be cutting staff hours worked.

According to the survey, the impact will be felt equally by symbol group members and unaffiliated independents, with 28% of symbol retailers and 32% of independents forced into making changes.

For more on retailers’ plans for transition, see our cover feature here.