British retailers warned prime minister Boris Johnson what is his plan back imperial measures will push up in price of goods because they need re-marking – just as consumers fight the worst cost of living crisis for generation.
British retail consortium representing some of largest supermarkets and retail chains in country stated that the re-introduction of measurements in pounds and ounces would be a “distraction” from the huge problems facing country.
BEIS, business department will start consultations on Friday looking at something retailers should be able to sell products in imperial measurements, not metric.
move is already dubbed “benefit” of The UK is leaving the EU and has been supported by some pro-Brexit politicians.
However, critics accused the ministers of production policy in an attempt to divert attention public from the partygate scandal and the economic crisis caused growing price of energy that has left Johnson’s ruling conservative party stretching in public opinion polls.
Andrea Martinez-Inchausti, Assistant director of food at BRC, said the supermarkets were focused on delivery best value for money for their clients at the same time of “intense” inflationary pressure. price of food prices rose by almost 6%. in in past year.
“Introducing new change laws way we measure food and drink and it will distract from this vital task, and add cost and complexity if existing products required be renamed,” she said. Martinez-Inchausti pointed out out what shops we already it is allowed to indicate imperial measures along with metric ones.
Great Britain officially introduced in metrics system in 1965 with some exceptions such as milk and beer which are still sold in pints.
BUT group of Fruit and vegetable vendors called “metric martyrs” became famous 20 years ago when they started campaign for merchants to sell goods in imperial units.
But, while the EU initially ordered the UK to stop using imperial units along with the metric system it fell demand in 2007.
Joe Harrison, Executive Director of This was stated by the National Federation of Market Traders. made little sense for stalls to switch back to imperial when the majority young people increased up with metric measurements.
Harrison told The Daily Telegraph that the change would be “troublesome”, adding: “For what purpose? Seems like it would be just hang on to past nostalgia”.
Meanwhile, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute has raised concerns about the idea. of reintroduction of imperial measurements, warning what move could confuse customers who only ever taught in metrics.
John Herriman, Executive Director of CTSI said true influence of any proposed changes needed to be understood.
“We understand the desire to create a feel-good factor, especially during of many deep economic challenges,” he said.
“However, at a time when consumers and businesses already feeling a pinch off higher prices and inflation, it is essential that any proposed measures are not misleading public on value for money and prices of daily itemsor add unnecessary costs and confusion business”.
