Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
New research has shown that the number of jobs across the UK retail sector has dropped by 14,000 year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2022.
According to data from the ONS, the number of retail jobs dropped by 14,000 year on year to 3.1 million. Retail vacancies in the fourth quarter stood at 92,000, 10.7% lower than the same time in 2021.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) blamed the fall in number of retail jobs on pressures to reduce operational costs amid a decline in spending.
BRC chief executive, Helen Dickinson, said: “Low consumer confidence and falling sales volumes meant many retailers were more cautious in hiring additional workers in the run up to Christmas.
“This was compounded by the need to keep operational costs – and therefore prices – down during the cost of living squeeze. This has contributed to the lowest Q4 average retail jobs numbers in over a decade. Not all retail roles have been affected, as ongoing digital transformation has led to the creation of many new well-paid and exciting jobs.
“However, this transformation is held back by the inflexible Apprenticeship Levy system that restricts the breadth of training that employers can offer.
“The Chancellor must use the Budget to reform the Levy and unlock business investment in upskilling employees and creating thousands of more apprenticeship opportunities across the country. With Levy reform, retail can equip itself with a workforce with skills fit for the future, leading to better wages, increased productivity, and stronger economic growth.”
