REJUVINATE HIGH STREETS

SHOPWORKERS trade union Usdaw has welcomed the announcement by Labour to give councils the power to re-open abandoned shops to revive Britain’s struggling high streets.

Under Labour’s proposals, local authorities will be able to turn ‘the blight of empty shops into the heart of the high street’ by giving them over to start-ups, co-operative businesses and community projects.

Labour’s plans, which would apply to property left vacant for 12 months, would rejuvenate Britain’s high streets by bringing back into use some of the estimated 29,000 physical retail units which have been abandoned for more than 12 months.

Usdaw is promoting an industrial strategy to tackle the retail crisis, but we remain disappointed that the Government still hasn’t engaged with us. It is crucial that local authorities play a full role in reviving their own high streets, something we are calling for, so we very much welcome Labour’s commitment to empower councils.

The retail industry is experiencing turbulent and challenging times. Employing around 3 million people and contributing 11% of UK economic output, it is clear that the retail crisis has a huge knock on effect, impacting the UK economy and a significant number of workers.

We a need Government-led clear and coherent strategy for retail, to address the worries and concerns of shopworkers and our members. Usdaw’s retail strategy should be a catalyst for a combined and concerted effort to tackle the growing retail crisis and help to save our shops.

As things stand it appears only a Labour Government would deliver the much needed and urgent policies that the retail industry desperately needs.