New data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has revealed that retail sector employment rose slightly in the last three months of 2011, in spite of continuing weakness in the British jobs market.
According to the latest BRC-Bond Retail Employment Monitor, retail employment was up by 0.5 per cent year-on-year in the fourth quarter, while the number of shops climbed by one per cent. However, 2010’s figures came after a severe spell of winter weather gripped the UK.
“After a disturbing fall in overall retail employment in September last year, it's a relief to see marginal improvement at the end of 2011,” said BRC director-general Stephen Robertson. “It's likely the delay taking on seasonal staff which hit the previous quarter boosted numbers [in Q4].”
However, Mr Robertson warned that the retail industry faces further difficulties this year, with some stores closing as retailers look to cut costs in the face of weak consumer demand. He called on the government to show “restraint” with the minimum wage and simplify the tribunal process.
BRC public affairs director Jane Bevis recently urged the government to ease the burden it imposes on retailers, ahead of the impending 5.6 per cent rise in business rates.
