The number of UK retail jobs has hit a record low, the Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) latest report has revealed. 

There were 2.76m retail jobs in September, according to the ONS.

The four-quarter average, which smooths out the seasonal fluctuations in hiring, showed 2.82m jobs in September, making it 74,000 fewer than last year and 355,000 fewer than in 2015. 

Using the four-quarter average, there were 1.3m full-time and 1.53m part-time jobs across the industry. 

The number of full-time jobs has dropped 125,000 compared to a decade ago, while the number of part-time jobs is down by 229,000 over the same period.

British Retail Consortium (BRC) CEO Helen Dickinson said: “The loss of 74,000 retail jobs represents the loss of 74,000 opportunities for people right across the country. 

“The number of retail jobs is now at a record low, and more have been lost in the last year than are employed in the fishing and steel manufacturing industries combined. 

“Retail lies at the heart of communities everywhere, from the biggest cities to the smallest villages. It is the first job for students and young people, a flexible job for parents and carers, and a lifelong career for many more.” 

The trade association boss continued: “As the numbers of such jobs dry up, the bigger the challenge for government. 

“This could become even harder if the Employment Rights Bill limits such flexibility; for instance, the government’s current proposals on Guaranteed Hours would make it harder for retailers to offer local, flexible, and part-time jobs.”

The figures come after the ONS recently revealed that retail sales rose in the three months to October 2025, despite witnessing a monthly decline ahead of the Budget.

Retail revenues were estimated to have risen by 1.1% during the three months to October, compared to the three months to July.

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