Coronavirus: ACS tells MPs of the vital role played by “essential” local shops

ACS provided evidence to the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Inquiry into the impact of the outbreak on the food supply chain relating to access to healthy food during periods of self-isolation and how disruptions in the food supply chain should be managed.

In the submission, ACS outlined that supply issues that convenience retailers have experienced, which has meant that retailers have sought new supply routes, such as by working with suppliers to the hospitality and other industries, to ensure that they can maintain availability and meet the demands of their customers. ACS also raised specific issues where the response could have been more effective, including the extension to delivery hours and relaxation of competition law.

The House of Commons Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s Inquiry is looking at the impact of the outbreak on businesses and workers.

In its submission, ACS highlighted the vital role that local shops have played in providing essential products to customers, and made a number of recommendations including directing protective equipment (PPE) to key workers, extending the cash grant scheme to cover more stores, protecting shop workers from retail crime and sustaining the ATM network.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “We have seen how our sector has quickly adapted to ensure that our stores can continue to serve their communities while ensuring the safety of colleagues and customers. From introducing home delivery services and card not present transactions to dedicated shopping hours for NHS workers, our colleagues have been working tirelessly to ensure that their communities can continue to access essential products and services.

“We welcome the Government’s recognition of local shops as essential businesses and our colleagues as key workers and it is vital that these businesses continue to receive the support that they need in order to serve our communities.”