Office for National Statistics
This coverage explores insights from the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) and their relevance to the retail sector, focusing on consumer spending data, labour market trends, price indices, and economic indicators. Reporting highlights how ONS releases inform retail strategy, performance analysis, and market forecasting — providing essential context for executives, analysts, and decision-makers in retail operations and planning.
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Mar- 2025 -26 MarchEconomy
Inflation ‘unexpectedly’ falls to 2.8% in February
Inflation unexpectedly fell to 2.8% in February in much welcome news for the chancellor ahead of the Spring Statement later today (26 March). A fall in the prices of clothing had the biggest impact on inflation in February, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).…
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20 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-20/3/25
The UK retail sector has faced significant challenges over the past five years, with a quarter of a million jobs lost, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The latest data reveals a decline to 2.84 million retail jobs, marking a reduction of 70,000 compared to the previous year.…
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20 MarchEconomy
Quarter of a million retail jobs lost in five years, ONS finds
There are now 249,000 fewer retail jobs than there were five years ago, according to the latest data from the ONS. While there were 2.88 million jobs in retail in December 2024, that was only because it is traditionally the high point of the year for the sector due to…
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14 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-14/3/25
Shein, the fast-fashion giant, has confirmed its plans to go public, targeting a listing on the London Stock Exchange. Executive chairman Donald Tang emphasised the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability as it transitions to a public entity. However, no specific timeline or valuation was disclosed, with Tang stating the…
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14 MarchEconomy
UK GDP unexpectedly falls 0.1% in Jan
The UK economy shrank unexpectedly by 0.1% in January as production in the manufacturing sector struggled, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The fall comes after growth of 0.4% in December 2024 and growth of 0.1% in November 2024. Production output decreased by 0.9%…
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Feb- 2025 -21 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-21/2/25
UK retail sales saw a 1.7% rise in January 2025, driven primarily by a 5.6% surge in food sales, the largest monthly increase since March 2020, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Despite this rebound, sales volumes over the three months to January fell by 0.6% compared to…
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20 FebruarySupermarkets
Asda narrows median gender pay gap to 4% in 2024
Asda has reduced its median pay gap between all male and female colleagues from 5% in 2023 to 4% in 2024, according to its newly published 2024 Gender Pay figures. It also revealed that 92% of Asda’s total UK workforce consists of hourly-paid retail store colleagues, all earning the same…
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19 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-19/2/25
Inflation in the UK reached its highest level in 10 months, hitting 3% in January 2025, up from 2.5% in December 2024, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Key drivers included rising air fares, private school fees, and food and drink prices. Air fares did not fall as…
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19 FebruaryEconomy
Inflation hits highest level in 10 months
Inflation hit 3% in January, its highest level in 10 months, as air fairs, new private school fees and the cost of food and drink all rose more than usual for the time of year, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The 3% level…
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13 FebruaryEconomy
Economy unexpectedly grows by 0.1% in Q4
Britain’s economy unexpectedly grew in the final quarter of 2024, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics, easing pressure on chancellor Rachel Reeves.Gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 0.1% in the fourth quarter of 2024, after zero growth the previous quarter, beating forecasts of economists and the…
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