James Cunningham

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Coventry MP checks out responsible retailer

JIM Cunningham MP is to discuss ways of keeping cigarettes, alcohol and knives out of the hands of young people.

The Coventry South MP will visit the Asda store in London Road on Friday March 23 (1pm) to speak with staff about the shop’s responsible retailer initiatives.

Among the steps taken recently by the store is raising the age of sale limit to purchase knives and cigarettes to 18 years of age.

The legal purchase limit for these items is currently 16.

Mr Cunningham, who will meet with store manager Kath Melody, said: “I’m pleased to be visiting the Asda store in London Road and am looking forward to hearing about the store’s responsible retailing steps.

“Asda are taking a positive approach to flexible working for to older and younger workers and that is something I support.

“I’m told that around 20 per cent of the firm’s workforce is over the age of 50 and that Asda does not have a retirement age – staff say when they wish to retire.

“They have also equalised the pay rate for 16 and 17 year olds to match our adult pay rate and I’m looking forward to hearing more about this on Friday.”