// Retail job numbers dropped by 67,000 in last 3 months of 2020
// This reflects the lowest number of retail jobs since 1999
New research has found that the number of retail jobs decreased by 67,000 in the last three months of 2020.
In the three months to December 31, there were 3.09 million jobs in retail, reflecting a 67,000 drop year-on-year, according to the ONS.
This is comprised of 2.8 million employed jobs in retail, and 208,000 self-employed jobs in retail.
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This reflects the lowest number of retail jobs in the three months to December 31 since 1999.
“While the second wave of the pandemic swept away tens of thousands of retail jobs, many more were saved by the government’s furlough scheme, which is now providing support for 600,000 retail workers, a rise of 200,000 since December,” BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said.
“This is likely to get worse if the third lockdown wears on, and while new jobs were created, focused in grocery and driving online capacity across the market, as well as many temporary jobs in the run up to Christmas, town and city centre stores continue to employ fewer and fewer people.
“Now is the time to rebuild the economy. Retail remains the largest private sector employer in the UK, meaning the strength of the industry remains important for the economy at large.
“The biggest threat to jobs and shops will be future lockdowns beyond April 12, and it is imperative the government takes all necessary precautions to prevent that from happening. Any delays to the prime minister’s roadmap will undoubtedly result in more store closures and threaten the livelihoods of the retail workers currently furloughed.
“Retailers are working incredibly hard to ensure stores and operations are safe and ready for reopening, and it is essential that all retail is open and remains open, if it is to unlock the demand which will kickstart our economic recovery.”
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