Labour has pledged to replace the business rates system to “raise the same revenue but in a fairer way”. The party said the current business rates system disincentivises investment and places an undue burden on high streets.
The new system is said to level the playing field between the high street and online operators and tackle empty properties. However, it didn’t specify what the proposed system is.
The manifesto also included measures to protect retail workers against rising crime levels. Labour said it will create a new specific offence for assaults on shopworkers and “scrap the effective immunity for some shoplifting” introduced by the Conservatives.
The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Act 2014 sets the threshold for a “serious” shoplifting offence at goods valued at £200 or higher, a loophole which has been exploited by shoplifters. Retail leaders called for an end to shoplifting of goods worth less than £200 being dealt with as a lesser offence in Drapers’ Fashion Retail Manifesto.
The Labour party has also announced plans to establish guaranteed access to training, an apprenticeship, job search support to find work, as well as two weeks’ worth of work experience for all people aged between 18 and 21 years of age.
Similarly to the Conservatives, Labour will seek a free trade agreement with India and the Gulf Cooperation Council. In contrast to the Liberal Democrats, who pledged to re-enter the EU single market as part of the party’s manifesto unveiled on Monday (10 June), Labour will not return to the EU’s single market, the customs union or freedom of movement, but has vowed to secure an EU-UK mutual recognition agreement for professional qualifications.