Retail employment has fallen for the fourteenth consecutive year, falling 2.3 percent in the three months to the end of June. The figures mean that around 72,000 jobs have been lost, compared with the same period last year.
Some more alarming statistics are that the number of hours worked in the sector fell by 2.5 percent. The total number of employees fell by 2.3 percent in the second quater, year-on-year and stores growth slowed down to 1.7 percent, compated to first quater growth of 2.3 percent.
“With a new Prime Minister and cabinet in place, there is a clear opportunity to rethink the high street strategy,” BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said.
“Business rates pose an unsustainable burden on shops and jobs, and we urge the Government to provide immediate relief to retailers large and small in order to facilitate much needed investment in the digital and physical offerings they provide to their customers.”
