Wages
This coverage examines wage trends and policies in the UK retail sector, focusing on pay levels, employer contributions, labour cost management, and compliance. Reporting highlights how changes in wages impact staffing budgets, recruitment, retention, and operational planning — offering insight for executives, HR leaders, and finance professionals managing workforce investments.
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Jul- 2024 -23 JulyNews
Today’s news in brief-23/7/24
Tapi Carpets and Floors Limited has acquired the Carpetright brand and 54 stores following its collapse into administration. While over 300 jobs were saved, more than 1,500 employees face redundancy due to the challenging retail climate and recent cyber attack woes. Ikea plans to open 100 additional click-and-collect points at…
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9 JulyOnline & Digital
Over 3,000 Amazon staff to vote over union recognition
Workers at Amazon’s Coventry warehouse are set to vote in a “historic” trade union recognition ballot which will force Amazon to recognise a union for the first time in the UK. More than 3,000 workers will take part in the ballot – if a majority of them vote yes, Amazon…
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May- 2024 -13 MayNews
Today’s news in brief-13/5/24
The Very Group has named Nadhim Zahawi, former government minister and MP, as its new non-executive chair. Zahawi, who will succeed Aidan Barclay, brings significant experience in digital growth and innovation. He aims to guide the company’s strategic development and explore new business expansion opportunities, potentially involving fresh equity investment.…
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13 MayHigh Street
Retailers call for overhaul of ‘broken’ apprenticeship levy
Large retailers such as John Lewis, Tesco and M&S have called for the apprenticeship levy to be overhauled as the current system is “a complete waste of money”, This is Money has reported. It is understood that the retailers believe the rules around the apprenticeship levy limit them from using…
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Apr- 2024 -26 AprilEconomy
Consumer confidence hits three-month high in April
Consumer confidence has risen from -21 to -19 in April, marking the first improvement in three months, GfK has reported. As consumer confidence across the UK has come above the -20 forecast, it also marks an improvement on the prior year, when the overall index score stood at -30. According…
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Mar- 2024 -22 MarchEconomy
UK Consumer confidence stagnates in March
UK Consumer confidence has remained flat at -21 in March following a two point drop last month, according to data from GfK. Moreover, the major purchase index fell two points down to -27 but this figure remains six points higher than this time last year. Consumer expectations for the general…
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21 MarchNews
Today’s news in brief-21/3/24
Reports suggest that Kingfisher, the owner of B&Q, is contemplating a bid for Homebase’s stores in the Republic of Ireland, signalling a potential rebranding of the Homebase outlets under the B&Q fascia. Homebase, currently owned by Hilco Capital, operates eight stores in Ireland and has been exploring a sale of…
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21 MarchClothing & Shoes
Next profits hit record high of £918m
Next has revealed its profit before tax increased 5% to £918m as it focused on improving its product ranges, online service levels and managing its costs and profitability. It comes as group sales also increased 6% to £5.84bn as the company onboarded further companies onto its Total Platform. Next also…
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6 MarchDepartment Stores
John Lewis staff pay to rise 10% amid £116m investment
John Lewis Partnership reportedly has plans to boost staff pay by 10% as part of a £116m investment, according to Retail Week. The Waitrose owner will reportedly confirm the “record” pay increase when it releases its latest full-year results next week on 14 March. From 1 April, the minimum pay…
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Feb- 2024 -13 FebruaryFeatures
From bookstore to global giant: The history of Amazon
In the history of commerce and technology, few companies have been as revolutionary as Amazon. What started as an online bookstore has evolved into a global commerce giant reshaping not only the retail landscape but the habits of humans themselves. From its humble beginnings in a garage to its current…
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