A Decade of Job Losses in Retail Goes Unnoticed by Government

  • Retail industry loses over 360,000 jobs in a decade
  • 2.76 million retail jobs in March 2025, down from 2.8 million the previous year
  • Full-time positions fell by 117,000 since 2015, part-time roles dropped by 246,000
  • British Retail Consortium warns of 160,000 more jobs at risk in next three years if government doesn’t act
  • Employment costs for entry-level and part-time roles increased by 10% and 13%, respectively

The retail industry has lost over 360,000 jobs in the past decade, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). In March 2025, there were 2.76 million retail jobs, down from 2.8 million the previous year when adjusted for seasonal variation using a four-quarter average. Full-time positions fell by 117,000 since 2015, while part-time roles dropped by 246,000 over the same period. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) warns that another 160,000 jobs could be at risk in the next three years if the government doesn’t take action. Employment costs for full-time entry-level roles have risen by 10%, and part-time roles increased by 13%. The BRC urges the government to address unscrupulous employers without hindering responsible businesses.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and relevant information about job losses in the retail industry based on data from the Office for National Statistics and quotes from British Retail Consortium’s chief executive Helen Dickinson. It also mentions the potential impact of these job losses on local communities and calls for government action. However, it includes a call to sign up for the Retail Gazette’s newsletter which may be seen as promotional content.
Noise Level: 4
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about job losses in the retail industry and includes quotes from a source of authority (British Retail Consortium chief executive). However, it lacks analysis or exploration of long-term trends or possibilities. It also does not hold powerful people accountable or explore consequences of decisions on those who bear the risks. Additionally, while it mentions some data and evidence, it could benefit from more actionable insights or solutions.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: No
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses job losses in the retail industry, which can impact companies and their financial performance. It also mentions rising employment costs in the sector. However, it does not directly mention any specific financial markets being impacted.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the text and it’s not the main topic. The article discusses job losses in the retail industry but does not mention an extreme event happening in the last 48 hours.

Reported publicly: www.retailgazette.co.uk