David Ross, owner of the fashion retailer Jigsaw, has called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to ease the financial pressure on middle-income consumers and businesses amid rising taxes and living costs. Ross, who acquired the upscale brand in 2018 and previously co-founded Carphone Warehouse, emphasized the need for government policies that support both retailers and their employees.
Speaking on the challenges facing the retail sector, Ross urged the government to provide a “fair deal” for businesses and workers alike, warning that continued fiscal strain threatens the recovery of the High Street. “The system is currently stacked against retailers and our customers,” he said, noting that many shoppers are also frontline workers in stores. Ross highlighted the impact of frozen income tax thresholds combined with increased household bills, which have eroded real pay rises for working families.
“Very often she’s also the person behind the till,” Ross said, referring to the typical middle-England consumer who both earns wages and spends in retail outlets. “Squeeze her and you squeeze the shop, the jobs and the tax take together. Leave working households’ take-home pay alone.”
Ross recommended reforms including raising the threshold for employers’ national insurance contributions to £6,000 to help reduce the tax burden on businesses. He also suggested that changes to workers’ rights should focus on curbing exploitative employment practices rather than restricting flexible jobs that provide valuable experience, warning that harsh new regulations could jeopardize opportunities such as Saturday jobs where many young people learn the value of work.
Jigsaw’s own financial performance reflected a recent turnaround under Ross’s leadership, with sales rising 18 percent in the six months to July. Concession sales, where Jigsaw products are offered within larger department stores and other retailers, increased by 47 percent, while online sales grew by 21 percent. Managing director Tikki Godley described the latest results as further validation of the company’s recovery strategy.
The remarks come amid ongoing concerns across the business community about the impact of upcoming Budget proposals, which are expected to include tax increases to fund additional spending on welfare and defense. Many firms remain cautious about the potential effects on consumer spending and employment as economic pressures continue to mount.