2.76 million UK retail jobs were recorded in March, while the Q1 four-quarter average fell to a record-low 2.79 million—down 66,000 from a year earlier.
£6.5 billion in added employment costs over 14 months, driven by higher employer National Insurance contributions and the National Living Wage, is pushing retailers to cut hiring, hours or headcount.
1.52 million part-time and 1.27 million full-time roles remain in the sector, with part-time and entry-level jobs under particular pressure as employers pull back on flexible work.
More than 80 retail chief executives have urged the government to keep employment reforms flexible, warning tighter rules could further curb openings in a sector that supports nearly a quarter of UK youth employment.