Menu
11/11/2011
Rates Focus Over Mixed Jobs' News
There's both good and not so good news on jobs this week as on one hand a major furniture retailer said its Belfast store is experiencing "the most challenging period since the downturn in the economy" - with redundancies seen as last option if things continue.
But with an increase in business rates in the way, Ikea added that in the last fiscal year the NI market had already been more difficult than the Irish Republic and said that since the Dublin Ikea opened in 2009, the Belfast store had been hit and that "the current trading pattern is well below what we would expect from a market of this size".
The Northern Ireland Retail Consortium - a sister organisation of the British Retail Consortium that represents the multiple retailers who trade in Northern Ireland - has said that many retailers in Northern Ireland are preparing to take on more than 2,000 extra staff for the festive season, on top of the 30,000 people they employ all year round.
But they too hit out at a proposed rates increase and said that the businesses recruiting for Christmas include Asda, Debenhams, Marks and Spencer, Next, Sainsbury's, Tesco and Toys R Us.
Northern Ireland Retail Consortium Director, Jane Bevis, said: "Christmas is the most important trading period for most of the retail sector. Every year the increased business supports hundreds of permanent jobs and creates temporary opportunities for hundreds more.
"Increased employment is an essential part of rebalancing the Northern Ireland economy, but [Stormont Executive Ministers] seem determined to press ahead with an 'extra tax' on some of the businesses best placed to provide it," she said, referring to a planned revision of rates with all the firms due to face higher business rates from April 2012 under plans from the Northern Ireland Executive.
The Northern Ireland Retail Consortium (NIRC) warned the proposed Large Retailer Levy would increase the operating costs for businesses, which are otherwise well placed to drive growth, attract investment and support jobs.
They said it is also discriminatory in targeting just one part of a single sector, while the relief it’s due to fund will go to a wide range of businesses.
"The retailers due to be targeted by the Executive’s levy support 30,000 jobs in the region and are providing 2,000 more opportunities this Christmas. The Executive should not be penalising businesses which help to provide festive cheer - and festive jobs," concluded Ms Bevis.
Ikea is also said to be against the levy, which will see increased rates on commercial premises with a rateable value of more than £500,000.
Ikea said that if the levy is introduced it will have a rates bill of £320,000 which "would place a huge burden on Ikea Belfast's already strained balance sheet".
(BMcC/GK)
But with an increase in business rates in the way, Ikea added that in the last fiscal year the NI market had already been more difficult than the Irish Republic and said that since the Dublin Ikea opened in 2009, the Belfast store had been hit and that "the current trading pattern is well below what we would expect from a market of this size".
The Northern Ireland Retail Consortium - a sister organisation of the British Retail Consortium that represents the multiple retailers who trade in Northern Ireland - has said that many retailers in Northern Ireland are preparing to take on more than 2,000 extra staff for the festive season, on top of the 30,000 people they employ all year round.
But they too hit out at a proposed rates increase and said that the businesses recruiting for Christmas include Asda, Debenhams, Marks and Spencer, Next, Sainsbury's, Tesco and Toys R Us.
Northern Ireland Retail Consortium Director, Jane Bevis, said: "Christmas is the most important trading period for most of the retail sector. Every year the increased business supports hundreds of permanent jobs and creates temporary opportunities for hundreds more.
"Increased employment is an essential part of rebalancing the Northern Ireland economy, but [Stormont Executive Ministers] seem determined to press ahead with an 'extra tax' on some of the businesses best placed to provide it," she said, referring to a planned revision of rates with all the firms due to face higher business rates from April 2012 under plans from the Northern Ireland Executive.
The Northern Ireland Retail Consortium (NIRC) warned the proposed Large Retailer Levy would increase the operating costs for businesses, which are otherwise well placed to drive growth, attract investment and support jobs.
They said it is also discriminatory in targeting just one part of a single sector, while the relief it’s due to fund will go to a wide range of businesses.
"The retailers due to be targeted by the Executive’s levy support 30,000 jobs in the region and are providing 2,000 more opportunities this Christmas. The Executive should not be penalising businesses which help to provide festive cheer - and festive jobs," concluded Ms Bevis.
Ikea is also said to be against the levy, which will see increased rates on commercial premises with a rateable value of more than £500,000.
Ikea said that if the levy is introduced it will have a rates bill of £320,000 which "would place a huge burden on Ikea Belfast's already strained balance sheet".
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 November 2002
Political crisis threatens confidence, investment and jobs
Three-quarters of Northern Ireland business leaders say the collapse of the Good Friday Agreement would destroy business confidence. The unexpected result was part of a BBC Northern Ireland Business Day Poll survey which also revealed that if current levels of violence escalate, half of local employers would postpone planned investment or cut jobs.
Political crisis threatens confidence, investment and jobs
Three-quarters of Northern Ireland business leaders say the collapse of the Good Friday Agreement would destroy business confidence. The unexpected result was part of a BBC Northern Ireland Business Day Poll survey which also revealed that if current levels of violence escalate, half of local employers would postpone planned investment or cut jobs.
24 September 2008
Training Takes To The Road
A new mobile unit aimed at bringing retail training direct to employees throughout Northern Ireland has been launched by NI Employment Minister, Sir Reg Empey (pictured).
Training Takes To The Road
A new mobile unit aimed at bringing retail training direct to employees throughout Northern Ireland has been launched by NI Employment Minister, Sir Reg Empey (pictured).
01 May 2003
Open + Direct win Courts retail credit account business
Open + Direct’s Retail Services division has announced the signing of a major contract with furniture retail multiple Courts. Open + Direct will provide retail credit throughout Courts’ 100-strong store chain and six Sleep Centres.
Open + Direct win Courts retail credit account business
Open + Direct’s Retail Services division has announced the signing of a major contract with furniture retail multiple Courts. Open + Direct will provide retail credit throughout Courts’ 100-strong store chain and six Sleep Centres.
19 September 2013
Pubs Of Ulster And NIIRTA Meet With Richard Haass
The Chief Executives of Pubs of Ulster and the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association met with Dr Richard Haass and Professor Meghan O'Sullivan today.
Pubs Of Ulster And NIIRTA Meet With Richard Haass
The Chief Executives of Pubs of Ulster and the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association met with Dr Richard Haass and Professor Meghan O'Sullivan today.
16 April 2010
Developers Should 'Prepare' For NAMA
Local property developers have been urged to prepare for impending demands for an asset-related business plan.
Developers Should 'Prepare' For NAMA
Local property developers have been urged to prepare for impending demands for an asset-related business plan.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
