The number of retail jobs has reached its lowest ever level after the industry shed more jobs than some other sectors combined.
The Office for National Statistics’ latest quarterly data, covering the three months to October and showing a slight rise in unemployment generally and particularly among young people, found that there were 2.76 million jobs in retail in September 2025.
On a four-quarter average basis, which smooths out seasonal variations, there were 2.82 million retail jobs that month – 74,000 fewer year on year, and 355,000 fewer than in 2015.
By the same measure, there were 1.3 million full-time and 1.5 million part-time jobs. The number of full-time jobs was down 125,000 from a decade ago, and part-time jobs fell 229,000. Overall, the figures represented the lowest number since comparable records began in 1996.
BRC chief executive 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 government is trying to increase the number of people in work and retail jobs are a vital step on the path back to the workplace – combining local opportunity with the flexibility to work around other commitments. As the numbers of such jobs dry up, the bigger the challenge for the 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.
“Once the bill passes, ensuring meaningful dialogue across unions and employers with the government to achieve workable implementation that protects employees without damaging employment opportunities will be critical.”
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