MP meets charity retail boss in Parliament

* Susan Elan Jones MP meets Robin Osterley in Westminster Hall. 

Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones has met Robin Osterley, chief executive of the Charity Retail Association, in Parliament.

Mr Osterley said: “It was great to meet Susan to discuss the many social benefits of the charity retail sector. 

"The sector generates more than £270 m in profit for its parent charities each year, with 220,000 volunteers working in 11,500 charity shops, the largest group of volunteers in the UK.”

Ms Jones said: “I think we’ve seen real improvements in many charity shops locally and nationally over the last decade and I want to see that continue. 

"As well as raising a huge amount of money for charities and good causes, the stores are also great at providing low-cost clothing, furniture and other items. 

"Charity shops offer excellent work experience and volunteering opportunities, and paid retail jobs.

"They also offer free collection and the furniture recycling service that so many of us use is fantastic.

"It was good to meet in Parliament with Mr Osterley to discuss a whole range of issues relating to the charity retail sector.”