ARA looks for support to grow employment in the retail industry

TODAY the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) will hear the Federal Court discuss the fate of the penalty rate reduction in a three day Judicial Review of the Penalty Rates Decision.

On behalf of the retail industry, the ARA have been at the forefront of Penalty Rates Decision in the hope to reduce the strain on Australian retailers, put the unemployed back into the workforce, and increase trading hours across the nation to sustain growth for the Australian retail industry.

ARA Executive Director, Russell Zimmerman said Australian retailers are suffering and need the support in reducing penalty rates to ensure the longevity of Australian Retail.

“It’s really hard out there for Australian retailers at the moment as some are actually forced to limit their days of operation due to significant cost pressures,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“If the Penalty Rates Decision is upheld it will give retailers a chance to stand strong against the economic pressures facing the industry and further assist in reducing the unemployment rate.”

The ARA will continue to advocate for employment in the retail sector as the current penalty rates impose numerous operational limitations for retailers.

“With the imminent arrival of Amazon, and the ability of consumers to shop online when they want, retail must be given the chance to grow; and growth will only occur by allowing retailers to trade longer hours,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“Reducing penalty rates will give retailers the opportunity to open in regional and country areas, allowing retailers to employ more staff which will in turn increase customer service satisfaction.”

If the Penalty Rates Decision is upheld by the Full Court the ARA believe Australian retailers, employees and consumers can expect to see various opportunities arise.

The Judicial Review of the Penalty Rates Decision will begin today at the Federal Court in Melbourne and conclude Thursday 28 September. The ARA looks forward to a positive decision from the Federal Court upholding the Fair Work Commission’s Full Bench decision earlier this year.

About the Australian Retailers Association:

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the retail industry’s peak representative body representing Australia’s $310 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 million people. The ARA works to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 7,500 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

ends