National Insurance
This coverage explores the impact of National Insurance policies and changes on the UK retail sector, focusing on employer contributions, payroll costs, regulatory compliance, and workforce planning. Reporting highlights how retailers adjust strategies to manage costs and meet obligations — providing insight for executives, managers, and HR professionals overseeing financial and operational planning.
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Apr- 2025 -15 AprilEconomy
UK sales increase 1.1% in March thanks to good weather boost
UK Total retail sales increased by 1.1% year on year in March, against a growth of 3.5% in March 2024, with gardening and DIY sales being boosted by good weather. New data from the BRC and KPMG revealed that the increase was below the 3-month average growth of 1.6% and…
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7 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-7/4/25
US President Donald Trump has defended his newly announced tariffs, describing them as necessary “medicine” to address trade imbalances. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump warned that governments would need to pay “a lot of money” to lift the sweeping tariffs, which include a baseline 10% levy on imports from…
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7 AprilGovernment
Entry-level job costs jump over 10% for retailers
The cost of employing people into entry-level jobs has increased over 10% for retailers as a result of the rise in National Insurance Contributions (NICs) coupled with the increase to the National Living Wage, according to the British Retail Consortium. Alongside this, the trade body has claimed that the cost…
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4 AprilHigh Street
Nearly half of all retail staff worked while unwell last year
Nearly half (46%) of retail staff worked while unwell at the end of last year, which is 5% higher than the end of 2023, as fears around job cuts following the autumn Budget’s tax rises took hold. According to the new Retail People Index, published by the Retail Trust and…
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4 AprilHigh Street
Carphone Warehouse founder to invest £5m in Jigsaw
Carphone Warehouse co-founder, David Ross, is reportedly investing about £5m in Jigsaw, which will result in him becoming the fashion retailer’s majority shareholder, according to Sky News. The multi-million pound investment comes seven years after Ross’ first cash injection, and it is understood that this financing will see him replace…
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3 AprilFeatures
Is going private the next big trend in retail?
Walgreens Boots Alliance was acquired by the American private equity firm Sycamore Partners in a deal valued at up to $23.7bn (£18.3 billion). Around the same time, Pepco Group, owner of Poundland, received interest from potential buyers for its 825-store Poundland business in the UK. With major retailers opting for…
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3 AprilHigh Street
Co-op FY profits soar sixfold but warns of cost pressures ahead
Co-op has seen its full-year pre-tax profits rise by nearly sixfold, soaring by £133m to £161m, up from £28m the prior year, despite facing over £200m of new headwinds and investment costs across the group. The surge in profits was driven by increased operating profits, which rose by £34m to…
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2 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-2/4/25
Topps Tiles reported a 4% rise in half-year sales to £127.7m, with underlying growth accelerating to 4.4% in Q2. Trade sales surged 12%, supported by an 11% increase in active traders. However, the retailer warned that National Living Wage and National Insurance hikes will add £4m to annual costs from…
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2 AprilDIY
Topps Tiles HY sales jump 4% to £127.7m
Topps Tiles has revealed that its group sales rose 4% to £127.7m for the 26 weeks ended 29 March 2025. Furthermore, it saw underlying sales growth in the second quarter of 4.4% after adjusting for the timing of holiday periods, up from 3.3% underlying growth in the first quarter. Underlying…
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1 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-1/4/25
Retailers are bracing for a £5.56bn rise in costs following the implementation of recent Budget measures, including higher National Insurance contributions and an increased minimum wage. According to Retail Economics, these changes will force businesses to absorb £1.76bn in profit losses while passing £1.72bn onto consumers through price hikes. Chancellor…
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