One of the UK's biggest trade unions has backed a campaign calling for Scottish ministers to introduce a permanent business rate discount for all retailers.
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) has joined the Scottish Retail Consortium's call for Scotland to match Chancellor Rachel Reeve's 10% discount for stores in England.
Wales has already taken similar action, recognising that retailers shoulder a disproportionate share of business rates.
Retail is Scotland’s biggest private-sector employer, supporting around 235,000 jobs directly and currently contributes around a fifth of all business rate revenue.
Tony Doonan, Usdaw’s regional secretary for Scotland, said: “A thriving retail industry is good for the availability of local jobs and career opportunities, better training and pay progression, as well as for investment on our high streets and in our town and city centres.
“We’re calling on MSPs to implement a permanent business rate discount for all shops from next April otherwise there is a real risk that Scotland will miss out on the development of new stores and existing stores will become less attractive and viable options to invest in.
“That’s not good for the condition of our high streets, shopping centres and retail parks, nor for staffing levels and job opportunities here in Scotland.”
David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, added: “Usdaw’s intervention underlines how continued investment in stores is essential to maintaining retail jobs and keeping shops viable and attractive to customers, in turn driving footfall and minimising the number of shuttered shopfronts.
“The Scottish Government should be making it as easy and affordable as possible for retailers to invest and create jobs, opportunities which often give our young people their first step onto the career ladder.
“That’s why it’s critical that Government ensure all shops here don’t miss out on a business rate discount which is being brought into effect in England.
“If it becomes materially more expensive to operate shops north of the border than elsewhere that’s likely to shift investment to other parts of the UK, have consequences for retail jobs, and make economic recovery here more arduous.
“Ministers and MSPs must seize the opportunity in the Scottish Budget next month to ensure all retailers in Scotland benefit from a business rate which is at least as competitive as England’s discount.”