The Low Pay Commission, the body which advises the government on minimum wage, has recommended an increase to the current national minimum wage by 3% from £6.50 to £6.70. The increase, if accepted by the government, would come into effect in October 2015.

ACS chief executive, James Lowman, said: “With inflation running at 0.5% and many prices in store going down, this cost increase will be another challenge for convenience stores particularly for those trying to take on more staff and grow their business.

“While we are concerned at the impact of this increase, we respect the Low Pay Commission’s work in balancing the needs of businesses, staff and the wider economy.”

ACS made a submission to the Low Pay Commission about the national minimum wage in September 2014, which can be viewed here: http://www.acs.org.uk/download/acs-submission-low-pay-commission-review-2014/