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New vision to secure a bright future for Wales’ retail sector

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BETTER pay and conditions, greater job security, improving career progression and a commitment to creating a skilled future workforce are at the heart of a new vision to revitalise Wales’ retail sector being launched this week by the Welsh Government.

The Shared Strategic Vision for the Retail Sector sets out how the Welsh Government, the sector and trade unions will work together in social partnership to ensure retail has a bright and sustainable future in Wales, which provides fair and rewarding career opportunities for its current and future workers.

The retail sector is hugely important to the Welsh economy. It is Wales’ largest private sector employer, providing jobs to more than 114,000 people, contributing 6% of Wales’ GVA.

The Welsh Government values the jobs, goods, community services and benefits the sector provides. Ministers are committed to working with partners to support a sustainable and prospering retail sector that remains at the heart of Welsh communities, which offers people fair work and real career opportunities.

The changing face of our town centres is vital to retail and in turn our town centres need a successful and resilient retail sector.

The Vision outlines the major challenges facing the sector, and defines the key areas where action is needed.

These include:

  • Improving career opportunities within retail, with a commitment to progressively improving pay, terms and conditions beyond statutory minimums, ideally through collective bargaining.
  • Greater job security, particularly in ensuring workers being offered guaranteed hours and sufficient notice of changes in shift patterns.
  • Retail becoming an exemplar of workforce equality, diversity and inclusion – with proactive steps taken to address under-representation, occupational segregation and pay gaps.
  • Ensuring fair working conditions and a safe working environment, with retail workers having an effective voice in decisions that affect them and their working conditions.
  • Ensuring Wales’ town centres and high streets are thriving, through interventions such as investment, including ‘Transforming Towns’ regeneration investment, support for non-domestic rates and, through the Welsh Government’s Town Centre First approach, making these settings the preferred location for workplaces and services.
  • Addressing skills shortages. Building on the Welsh Government’s Plan for Employability and Skills and in partnership with the sector and trades unions, Ministers are committed to helping to provide the sector with a future-proofed workforce. The plan sets out actions to both upskill existing workers and attract new entrants to the sector.
  • Helping retailers to seize the opportunities of decarbonisation and digitalisation by, for example, reducing their reliance on fossil fuels, minimising the carbon footprint of their supply chains and investing in and maximising the potential use of digital technology.

Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething and Deputy Minister for Social Partnership, Hannah Blythyn, are jointly launching the Vision today during a visit to independent bookshop, Storyville and Boots the Chemist in Pontypridd town centre.

Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething said: “Retail in Wales is hugely important to our economy, our communities, and our well-being as a nation. Retail is all around us in every part of Wales – in every village, town and city. We very much value the jobs, goods, community services and benefits it provides.

“Our appreciation of the retail sector, as a cornerstone of the foundational economy, has only grown through the Covid pandemic – but we know a successful and resilient retail sector does not happen by accident. That’s why it is important we nurture the environment in which it can grow and adapt, especially in response to shift to a more circular economy.

“The shared vision we are launching today commits the Welsh Government and the retail sector to an ongoing dialogue and close working to rise to the challenges ahead. We know there are no quick fixes, easy solutions, or infinite budgets. What we do have, however, is a willingness to work in social partnership, with the Welsh Government, employers, business representative bodies and trade unions working together to understand where we are now, where we want to get to, and how we can get there.

“The Welsh Government is determined to improve the quality of life and the conditions that will make Wales an attractive place for individuals and businesses to plan their futures. I firmly believe the retail sector has a vibrant future, and will continue to be a key player within the Welsh economy.”

Deputy Minister for Social Partnership, Hannah Blythyn said: “The retail sector is heavily dependent on its workforce. A better deal for retail workers – better pay, better terms and conditions, better training and better career prospects will help the retail sector overcome workforce recruitment and retention challenges, particularly at a time of high employment. This will help project retail as a long-term career of choice and equip the workforce to deliver even better levels of customer service.

“We must ensure retail workers have a genuine voice, predominantly through their trade unions, in helping to shape their working conditions and the future of work in the sector. Embedding the spirit of social partnership – where businesses and trade unions work together – must be a cornerstone of the retail sector of tomorrow.”

Sara Jones, Head of the Wales Retail Consortium said: “The Retail Vision provides welcome recognition of the retail industry, and our workforce, by the Welsh Government. The covid pandemic shone a spotlight on just how important a role our retailers play, as drivers of the economy and as community champions at the heart of our towns. The industry continues to face structural challenges that have only been accelerated over the last two years, however we know that there are opportunities to flourish and to create sustainable high streets and ensure retail remains a career of choice for many.

“The sector has a strong tradition of innovating and being at the forefront of new ideas, to the benefit of Welsh customers, and we look forward to building on these foundations in a truly collaborative approach with policymakers and leaders at all levels. Whether it be through the industry’s Climate Action Roadmap, Diversity and Inclusion Charter, or our significant charitable giving, retailers are continuously looking at ways to promote equality and opportunity for our workforce, suppliers and our communities, and be an effective contributor to society. We look forward to the next stage of the Retail Vision and the WRC being a key partner in delivering on these aspirations.”

Nick Ireland, Usdaw Regional Secretary said: “We have been working with the Welsh Government and our social partners for some time on how we can together tackle long established issues in the retail industry and we are delighted with the Vision that they have announced today. The industry as a whole was struggling before Covid-19 with record numbers of shop closures and job losses, so the ongoing commitment to support high streets and regenerate town centres is crucial.

“We not only need to secure jobs through helping the retail industry to prosper, but they must be good jobs with decent pay, that promote equality and bring an end to insecure contracts, which we have consistently called for in our ‘New Deal for Workers’ campaign. That is best achieved through collective bargaining with trade unions, which is an important part of this Vision for retail in Wales.

“Usdaw stands ready to build on the work we have done with the Welsh Government, business representative groups and by engaging with retail employers and seeking to deliver a highly motivated, well-trained and respected workforce. For too long retail work has been undervalued, this Vision gives us the opportunity to change that and give Welsh retail staff the dignity they deserve.”

The Strategic Vision will be followed by a delivery-focussed Action Plan in the coming months.

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Purchase of bus company has been ‘seamless’ despite driver shortage

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THE RECENT council purchase of a Pembrokeshire bus company has been “seamless,” despite some driver shortages, members of a council committee will hear this week.

Back in December Pembrokeshire County Council completed the purchase of the assets of Edwards Bros Coaches of Tiers Cross, operating all contracts previously run by the company.

The council stepped in when it became clear that the operator was planning to withdraw from the bus market, with the purchase previously backed by the council’s Cabinet last January.

The March 21 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee will hear an update report following the purchase.

The report for members states: “There was a seamless takeover, with all the statutory duties of school transport maintained as well as the continued provision of public transport bus services and additional work as and when required.

“The council has only been operating the assets now for a few months and it is therefore too early to provide substantive feedback on performance.

“It is envisaged that, based on the current workload, financial targets will be met.”

However, several issues have been highlighted in the report.

It says that, while all of the Edwards Bros drivers were transferred to the council, there is a shortage of drivers, which has been worsened due to sickness absence and existing private hire bookings.

“Moving forward, private hire work will only be taken on if it can be scheduled around the capacity and logistics of the school transport routes and local bus services. The bus driver shortage is a national problem and one being experienced by every operator in Pembrokeshire,” the report adds.

Members will hear a council minibus driver has now become a coach driver and another member of staff will also shortly be undertaking their training and test, and a recruitment campaign is currently being undertaken to recruit additional drivers.

The report concludes: “A substantial piece of work was undertaken in terms of due diligence to acquire the assets of the bus company.

“Those assets have only been operated by the council only for a few weeks, so whilst some points have been identified in the update, it is proposed a more substantive piece of feedback on performance is provided in the autumn, which will give time for clearer feedback.”

Members will be asked to consider the feedback on the acquisition, and to refer any relevant concerns to Cabinet.

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Police launch ‘Licensing SAVI’ to improve safety for staff and customers

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DYFED-POWYS POLICE have launched a pioneering licensing initiative in bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels. Senior officers say that this demonstrates their commitment to improving safety and security in the night-time economy.

Officers are working alongside venues to launch Licensing Security & Vulnerability Initiative (Licensing SAVI), which was developed at the request of the Home Office by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (Police CPI), a police-owned organisation which works alongside the Police Service around the UK to deter and reduce crime.


Supporting the hospitality industry, Licensing SAVI is backed by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and Project Servator, a police-led vigilance scheme to deter terrorist attacks at crowded places. Its aim is to provide safer and more secure venues for managers, staff, customers and local communities and to reduce the demand on hard-pressed police forces and NHS Ambulance Services and Accident & Emergency Departments.

Available to licensees as an on-line self-assessment, Licensing SAVI covers critical issues like responsible drinking, drugs misuse, violent behaviour and safeguarding vulnerable customers through to preventing opportunist theft and improving physical security, such as lighting and CCTV systems. Most measures included in Licensing SAVI can be introduced quickly and at little or no cost.

Licensing SAVI provides consistent standards, guidance and advice that licensed premises in Wales and England need to meet the requirements of the Licensing Act 2003 and promote the four Licensing Objectives: Prevention of Public Nuisance; Prevention of Crime and Disorder; Protection of Children from Harm; and Public Safety. Licensing SAVI also includes a non-assessed guidance section on counter terrorism.

Licensees that complete the self-assessment will receive a Star-Rating and can apply for Licensing SAVI Accreditation and an award for display to show the efforts undertaken to enhance safety.

The initiative is being supported by Home Office funding, secured by Dyfed-Powys Police Safer Communities Hub, giving premises the opportunity to join the scheme as part of the roll out. The fund is available to support projects that help reduce neighbourhood crime, make local areas safer and reduce demand on police forces.

Inspector Reuben Palin, from Dyfed-Powys Police’s Central Prevention Hub, said: “We’re pleased licensed premises from across the force area are working with us to ensure their pubs and clubs are a safe environment for people to enjoy a good night out.

“We would encourage anyone who hasn’t already signed up to get in touch so we can work together for better community safety.”

Mark Morgan, Business Manager for Licensing SAVI, commented: “I’m delighted that Dyfed-Powys Police, using Home Office funding, are supporting the use of Licensing SAVI in premises by enabling licensees to undertake an assessment of the processes and procedures they have in place to maximise safety and reduce vulnerability for both customers and staff. We’re confident that this contributes to raised standards, safer venues, and safer socialising, with the venues being able to display their award to recognise their efforts. It’s great to see that venues across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys have already received our accreditation and we look forward to more doing so in the near future, contributing to a safer Dyfed-Powys.”

Covering a huge geographical area, Dyfed-Powys Police have funded venues across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys. The following venues were the first in the region to take up the scheme, achieving accreditation and a star award to display to customers and the local community.

In Carmarthenshire The Old Cross Inn, Quay St, Ammanford and Yr Hen Dderwen, 47–48 King Street, Carmarthen are taking part. Moira Williams, General Manager at the Old Cross Inn, said: “I took part in Licensing SAVI and found the process easy to complete. By completing this accreditation, it has made us more aware of extra safety and servility measures for our business and most importantly for our customers.

She added: “We take the safety for our customers seriously and everyone should be able to enjoy and be assured that their safety while socialising comes first. Every public bar selling alcohol should complete this assessment and become accredited. It’s even given us some good insights into how to improve our business. I am so glad I completed this and am happy with my accreditation.”

In Ceredigion THE Cambrian Hotel, Alexandra Rd; Harleys, 21 Eastgate; Royal Pier, Marine Terrace, of course all in Aberystwyth are taking part. Royal Pier Head of Operations, Lee Price, proudly commented: “The Licensing SAVI self-assessment offered an invaluable opportunity to re-visit and health-check operations, assess the effectiveness of their intention, and add more meat to the bones of day-by-day control measures.

“It has provided a credible recommendation to display to the public, helping attract a more perceptive customer and offering a competitive consumer edge,” he added

Here in Pembrokeshire five venues are taking part so far – they are:

  • Castle Hotel, Castle Square, Haverfordwest SA61 2AA
  • Eddie Rocks, 4 Quay St, Haverfordwest SA61 1BG
  • Imperial Hall, Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven SA73 3JN
  • OUT Pembroke, 14 Main St, Pembroke SA71 4NP
  • The William Owen, 6 Quay St, Haverfordwest SA61 1BG

The William Owen’s manager, Jon Blaney, told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “We are proud to have become accredited with Licensing SAVI. The pub takes its responsibilities seriously and works closely with the police to ensure the venue is run to a high standard at all times with staff and customer safety paramount.”

There are six venues in Powys taking part. Chris Thompson, Manager of The Buck Inn and The Pheasant Inn, commented: “I found the [Licensing SAVI] process very easy and quick. It helps publicans highlight where improvements are needed to ensure our customers are as safe as possible. The Licensing Security & Vulnerability Initiative is a great idea. I highly recommend the scheme!”

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New 4-star rating for Fishguard hotel and restaurant The Abergwaun

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THE ABERGWAUN HOTEL in Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, has just been awarded a 4-star rating by Visit Wales for its restaurant with rooms, the first ever rating for the boutique hotel.

Located in the coastal village of Fishguard – an area of outstanding natural beauty with towering cliffs, hill and valleys – this charming contemporary hotel was refurbished in 2020 after 10 years of standing derelict, by a young local couple Daniel Jones and Lois Thomas. Executive chef Daniel is from north Wales and has worked in kitchens including Pollen Street Social and The Hardwick, Abergavenny. He also competed in Masterchef: The Professionals in 2014 and he reached the semi-finals of the National Chef of the Year awards in 2018. General Manager Lois has a background in hospitality at top restaurants including the Townhouse in Oswestry with Michael Caines, Chapter One in Locksbottom, and Michelin starred restaurant with rooms The White Brook in Monmouth.

Co-owner and Executive Chef Daniel Jones said: “We are immensely proud of the team who have been recognised by Visit Wales for exceptional standards in housekeeping, hospitality and friendliness and dining. This is our first hotel inspection so we are thrilled with the results and we will continue to offer an exceptional experience for our guests.”

The couple took over The Abergwaun in 2020 and have won praise amongst locals and visitors to Pembrokeshire, with almost 99% 5* reviews on TripAdvisor. The hotel features five luxury ensuite rooms, including a dog-friendly room and a two-bedroom apartment, plus an outstanding restaurant with inventive menus and cocktails enjoyed in a welcoming, relaxed environment.

The modern European restaurant JT At the Abergwaun Hotel is steeped in Welsh heritage, supporting local suppliers and offering ingredients like Welsh ribeye steak and Welsh lamb, plus a selection of fine Welsh cheeses. The a la carte menu includes inventive takes on comforting classics, with starters like Crispy lamb taco, whisky treacle BBQ sauce, avocado, cocoa sunflower seed, pepper slaw and mains including Roasted venison haunch, roast carrot and onion, figs dauphinois potatoes, bordelaise sauce. Delicious desserts include the Dark chocolate delice, salt caramel, passion fruit & orange, pembs promise ice cream.

Picturesque Fishguard is known as the gateway to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, and here you’ll find the Preseli Hills, rising up to 536m and perfect for walks and viewpoints, plus ancient standing stones and idyllic valleys like Cwm Gwaun where there’s an abundance of wildlife and several bird species. In the heart of the village, there’s an array of independent businesses and galleries, gift and antique shops, a weekly market, plus many cosy cafés, pubs and restaurants. For arts and music lovers, Fishguard is also home to Fishguard International Music Festival that has brought world-class music to the area for 50 years.

A one-night stay costs from £100 for two sharing a double room, including breakfast. To book, visit https://www.jtabergwaunhotel.co.uk/ Call 01348 874 584

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