THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) claims the Federal Government’s proposed industrial relations reforms would force 65 per cent of small retailers to cut jobs.
Executive director Richard Evans says the introduction of the Fair Work Bill and the Modern Retail Award will make small retailers unable to cope with labour costs.
“Retailers create jobs – full-time jobs, part-time jobs and casual jobs. They provide most Australians with their first job but new IR laws will force over 82 per cent of small retailers to restructure their workforce,” says Evans.
One-in-two small retailers indicated to the ARA they would restructure staff rosters and around a quarter will restructure employment types to cope with increased wage bills.
“To save jobs and small retail businesses we’re urging the Government to recommend the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) defer the introduction of the Modern Retail Award for 12 months,” says Evans.
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