UNIONS welcomed a retail action plan in Wales aiming to improve pay and the terms and conditions of shopworkers today.

The new plan was developed through social partnership, with unions, employers and Welsh government involved in designing it.

Wales TUC general secretary Shavanah Taj said: “Designing the retail action plan in social partnership means that workers, employers, and government all have a stake in its success.

“The retail sector is one of Wales’s biggest employers, but much more needs to be done to raise the level of pay for retail workers and improve terms and conditions more broadly. 

“The plan sets this in motion, recognising that raising unionisation rates is pivotal.

“It also recognises that the sector has specific challenges with abuse and violence faced by shopworkers, with actions to address this.”

The plan was launched by economy minister Vaughan Gething at the Wales Retail Forum in Llandudno and sets out actions that it claims will ensure the sector offers fair, secure and rewarding work.

It aims to help the retail sector in Wales become more resilient and put people and town centres first.

Hannah Blythyn, deputy minister for social partnership, said: “These actions are shared by all social partners in the Retail Forum and are a clear demonstration of the value of social partnership. 

“The retail sector is a vital source of jobs and is key to our ambitions for a Wales of fair work.

“It’s important the sector delivers the fairness, dignity and respect that retail workers need and deserve.”