Retail jobs at lowest four quarter average in over a decade

The number of retail jobs in the UK was down to its lowest average four quarter level in over a decade, according to ONS Labour Market figures.

The four quarter average dropped to 3.05 million retail jobs in December 2022, down from 3.08 million in December 2021.

The overall number of retail jobs also fell to 3.12 million in December 2022 compared with 3.13 million in December 2021.

However, 2022 did see a bigger increase in total jobs from Q3 to Q4 compared with 2021. 2022 saw an increase of 93,000 jobs whereas 2021 only saw an increase of 58,000.

Employed jobs in the retail sector accounted for most of the 3.12 million with 2.92 million jobs being employed 194,000 being self employed.

Helen Dickinson, CEO of the British Retail Consortium, 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 4Q 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.”

She added: “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, retailers can equip themselves with a workforce with skills fit for the future, leading to better wages, increased productivity, and stronger economic growth.”

Overall, employment in the UK sat at 75.7% in the UK for the period between November 2022 and January 2023, an increase of 0.1 percentage points.