Retail job losses are a ‘loss of opportunity’
According to the latest report by the ONS there were 2.76 million jobs in retail in September 2025. The four-quarter average, which smooths out the seasonal variations in hiring, showed 2.82 million jobs in September 2025, 74,000 fewer than the same point last year, and 355,000 fewer than in 2015.
Using the four-quarter average, there were 1.30 million full-time and 1.53 million part-time jobs. The number of full-time jobs is down 125,000 on a decade ago. Meanwhile, the number of part-time jobs is down 229,000 over the same period.
Commenting on these figures, Helen Dickinson, chief executive at the British Retail Consortium, said: “The loss of 74,000 retail jobs represents the loss of 74,000 opportunities for people right across the country. The number of retail jobs is now at a record low, and more have been lost in the last year than are employed in the fishing and steel manufacturing industries combined. Retail lies at the heart of communities everywhere, from the biggest cities to the smallest villages. It is the first job for students and young people, a flexible job for parents and carers, and a lifelong career for many more.
“The government is trying to increase the number of people in work and retail jobs are a vital step on the path back to the workplace – combining local opportunity with the flexibility to work around other commitments. As the numbers of such jobs dry up, the bigger the challenge for government. This could become even harder if the Employment Rights Bill limits such flexibility; for instance, the government’s current proposals on Guaranteed Hours would make it harder for retailers to offer local, flexible, and part-time jobs. Once the Bill passes, ensuring meaningful dialogue across unions and employers with government to achieve workable implementation that protects employees without damaging employment opportunities will be critical.”