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.
-
Mar- 2025 -20 MarchEconomy
UK consumer confidence improves in March as Gen Z set to spend
UK consumer confidence improved slightly to -35 in March, up from -37 in February, the BRC has revealed. According to the latest BRC-Opinium data, personal spending on retail rose to 0 in March, up from -5 in February. Meanwhile, personal spending overall rose to +11 in March, up from +4…
Read More » -
17 MarchSupermarkets
Sainsbury’s CEO confident amid intensifying competition
Sainsbury’s CEO, Simon Roberts, has acknowledged the rising competition in the supermarket sector following Asda’s decision to cut prices but remains confident in his company’s ability to stay ahead, according to The Times. His remarks follow a 7.8% drop in Sainsbury’s shares, wiping out £487m in value after Asda’s pricing…
Read More » -
7 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-7/3/25
Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has agreed to be acquired by private equity firm Sycamore Partners in a deal worth £23.7bn. The transaction is expected to close in late 2025 and will see WBA become a private company, delisting from Nasdaq.WBA shareholders will receive $11.45 per share in cash, with potential…
Read More » -
7 MarchFeatures
WHSmith’s high street exit: what it means for the retail industry
After more than 230 years as a staple of British high streets, WHSmith is considering selling off its entire high street business. With around 500 stores facing an uncertain future, the company is shifting its focus to travel retail — airports, railway stations, and motorway service areas — where it…
Read More » -
7 MarchHigh Street
HMV halts UK expansion amid rising wage costs
HMV has halted its UK expansion in anticipation of the rising wage costs due to commence next month, and will open stores in Ireland and Belgium instead, The Guardian has reported. According to managing director Phil Halliday, HMV had ambitions to open as many as 10 additional stores in the…
Read More » -
6 MarchSupermarkets
M&S invests £95m into pay increase for retail staff
M&S has announced a £95m investment in its retail pay offer, its biggest ever investment in pay and third consecutive increase since Stuart Machin became CEO in 2022. From 1 April, the rate of pay for UK customer assistants will increase from £12 to £12.60 per hour, representing a 5%…
Read More » -
Feb- 2025 -28 FebruaryEconomy
UK retail sales grow 2.3% in February, BDO reveals
Total retail sales in discretionary spend categories grew by 2.3% in February, compared to a negative base of -1.3% in the same month in 2024, according to BDO’s latest High Street Sales Tracker. The latest report from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO shows that in store sales in lifestyle…
Read More » -
26 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-26/2/25
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has warned that one in 10 part-time retail jobs, equating to up to 160,000 roles, could be at risk over the next three years due to rising employment costs. The BRC highlighted that part-time jobs are particularly vulnerable to changes in employer National Insurance Contributions…
Read More » -
26 FebruaryEconomy
One in 10 part-time retail jobs at risk, BRC says
One in 10 part-time retail jobs, up to 160,000 roles, could be at risk of being lost over the next three years as a result of the rising costs of employment, the BRC has revealed. The retail body has warned of the impact that both the budget and upcoming regulatory…
Read More » -
24 FebruaryFeatures
The decline of UK department stores: can they survive?
The decline of department stores in the UK has been one of the most significant shifts in the retail sector in recent years. High street giants that once defined the shopping experience have faced unprecedented challenges, leaving behind empty storefronts and a stark reminder of how much the landscape has…
Read More »
