According to the Australian Retailers Association the Rudd Government should have a strong focus on jobs and strategies to keep prices low for the Federal Budget in May.
“Employment stability is the key to domestic economic recovery and the Rudd Government’s second budget must provide leadership and strategy to encourage employers to maintain and grow their workforce,” said ARA executive director, Richard Evans.
Evans emphasised that a high percentage of employers are considering staff cuts due to slowing consumer demand.
“Employers need support from government to overcome the reduction in consumer demand over the past 12 months. Over 65 per cent of retailers have indicated they will shed staff to cope with the increased costs of the government’s new Fair Work Australia regime and award modernisation – they don’t need increased taxes and compliance costs from budget announcements.”
Evans also commented about how retailers are looking for leadership from the Government, economic experts and commentators to overcome obviously difficult trading times.
“Retailers operating in times of increased legislation and economic uncertainty, particularly smaller retailers in regional areas, would also like to see increased training and education through Business Enterprise Centres across Australia,” he said.
“Small and independent retailers struggling to survive need access to advice and training about how to manage their business in hard times, as well as to keep them informed and up-to-date with legislation changes affecting the small business sector.