The ACS has warned a new consultation on one-sided employment flexibility must not add more complexity and costs for retailers.
The consultation, which will run until 25 August, will seek views on the implementation of rights which became law through the Employment Rights Act.
These include workers on zero-hours and low-hours contracts getting the right to guaranteed working hours, if they want them, and employers providing reasonable notice of shifts and changes to shifts.
It is also looking at how compensation for shifts that have been cancelled, moved to another date, or cut short by an employer will be implemented.
ACS has been engaging with government throughout the implementation of the Employment Rights Act, highlighting the importance of any measures being both pro-worker and pro-business.
It said it should avoid any “unintended consequences that put unnecessary burdens on employers that already provide a high level of flexibility”. The trade body also highlighted the existing ways retailers provide two-sided flexibility and security for colleagues.
Figures from the 2026 ACS Colleague Survey showed one in three colleagues in convenience stores have been in the job for more than 10 years, 96% are employed on a permanent contract, and more than three-quarters report never having had a shift cancelled.
“Local shops are responsible employers, offering store colleagues regular hours and notice of shifts,” said ACS CEO Ed Woodall.
“We support the government’s aim of addressing one-sided flexibility, but these proposals risk adding further cost and complexity at a time when retailers are already facing significant pressure from higher business taxes and increased regulation.
“It is important that any new rights do not inadvertently reduce flexible employment opportunities for both employers and employees, or add unnecessary costs to hiring in an already tight labour market.”
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