Analysis: Retailers face dilemma over post-furlough job retention scheme

By Hugh Radojev2020-07-14T10:20:00

As Primark reveals that it won’t be taking government money to bring back furloughed staff and John Lewis hints at the same, other retailers face a potentially tough choice.

On the face of it, what is there not to like about a scheme to help finance job retention as the retail industry and the nation seek recovery in the aftermath of the Covid lockdown?

The only complaint some retailers might have had was that, at £1,000 per employee brought back for at least three months after the government’s wage support scheme ends in October, the cash on offer pales into insignificance compared with the scale of losses sustained during the pandemic.

Subscription content

Please sign in now if you have a subscription or are already registered with us.

Register for free to continue reading

Retail-Week.com provides premium, in-depth intelligence that helps retailers judge risks, spot opportunities and identify what they need to do to win in the digital economy.

Two free article views per calendar month on Retail-Week.com
Detailed analysis of current trends and events
Exclusive newsletters
In-depth reports, videos, interviews and much more

Discover Retail Week register now

Please note, if you have recently purchased a subscription, it may take a few minutes before your account is updated.