Flexible Working
This coverage examines flexible working practices and policies within the UK retail sector, focusing on their impact on operations, workforce management, and employee engagement. Reporting highlights employer initiatives, regulatory changes, productivity considerations, and challenges in implementing flexibility at scale. Retail executives, HR managers, and operations leaders can use these insights to shape strategies that balance business needs with workforce expectations.
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Jan- 2024 -19 JanuaryNews
Today’s news in brief-19/1/24
In December 2023, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported a significant 3.2% drop in retail sales volumes in the UK. This decline marked the most substantial monthly decrease since January 2021, following a modest 1.4% increase in November 2023. On an annual basis, sales volumes in 2023 fell by…
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15 JanuaryNews
Today’s news in brief-15/1/24
Shein, the fast-fashion brand, is reportedly facing delays in its plan to go public on the US stock exchange due to the need for approval from a Chinese regulator. The approval process is expected to be lengthy, and Shein is also expected to face stricter scrutiny from US regulators. The…
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15 JanuarySupermarkets
Asda trials four-day week in bid to stamp out manager revolt
Asda is trialling a four-day week in a bid to “stamp out revolt” amongst the supermarket’s store managers following a rise in staff turnover, The Telegraph has reported. The business is reportedly looking to rebuild relations with senior staff after ongoing cost cuts and concerns over company culture have led…
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Dec- 2023 -5 DecemberClothing & Shoes
Marks and Spencer extends Christmas trading hours
Marks and Spencer has announced that it has extended its Christmas trading hours from 18-22 December with more than 400 stores open from 6am until 10pm. Additionally, a number of stores will also be open until 10pm on 23 December and 4pm on Christmas Eve for last minute Christmas shoppers.…
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Oct- 2023 -16 OctoberNews
Today’s news in brief-16/10/23
Next has finalised the acquisition of FatFace for £115.2m, with a portion of the payment made in cash and the remainder in Next’s shares. Following the transaction, Next will hold 97% of the equity, while FatFace’s management will retain 3%. FatFace will continue to operate autonomously with its own board…
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16 OctoberNews
M&S to recruit 10,000 Christmas roles
Marks and Spencer has announced it will be recruiting 10,000 new customer assistants to support in its stores over the festive period. The number of vacancies is a more than 40% increase on last year and reflects the additional investment M&S is making in employees’ hours to support customers on…
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Aug- 2023 -10 AugustClothing & Shoes
M&S appoints all-women managers to run new M&S stores
M&S has appointed an all-women team of six managers to lead the openings of five brand-new M&S stores this year. Between them, the all-female team has more than 115 years of retail experience and will lead a combined team of over 1,000 colleagues. The appointments follow the launch of M&S…
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3 AugustNews
Tesco becomes first supermarket to offer right to request flexible working
Tesco is granting colleagues new flexible working rights almost a year ahead of an expected change in the law from the government. The supermarket is giving its more than 300,000 colleagues, from the shop floor to its offices, the right to request a flexible working pattern from their first day…
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May- 2023 -31 MayNews
Amazon launches new term-time contracts for parents
Amazon has launched an innovative new contract that offers parents, grandparents and guardians of school-age children the choice to work term-time only. The new contracts guarantee time off for the six-week Summer break, as well as the two-week Easter and Christmas holiday periods, without affecting the comprehensive range of benefits…
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22 MayNews
M&S launches 12 week paid Neonatal Leave
Marks & Spencer has today announced a new policy which will give families of premature babies or babies that need additional care when they are born, extra leave and pay to spend vital time with their new-born without colleagues having to worry about work or using up their maternity, paternity,…
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