LONDON, (MNI) – The number of retail sector jobs increased just
0.6% on the year in Q4 2010, sharply down from the growth rates of 2.8%
seen in both the previous quarters, according to the British Retail
Consortium.
The number of hours worked by retail employees fell by 1.5% on a
year-on-year like-for-like comparison as a result of tough trading
conditions, the BRC said.
The BRC-Bond Pearce Retail Employment Monitor (REM) shows 58% of
the sample indicated that they would keep staffing levels unchanged in
the next three months – the same percentage as in the fourth quarter of
2009.
But 38% of retailers said they would decrease staffing levels,
compared with 13% this time last year, a noticeable weakening in
sentiment over the last 12 months.
A divergence between food- and non-food retailers’ employment
intentions has developed over the last three months – with food
retailers appearing to be more confident about investing and employing
more staff, the BRC said.
Commenting on the data, Stephen Robertson, director general at the
British Retail Consortium, said:
“December was a difficult trading month for some retailers.
Overall, employment growth faltered in December because stores were less
busy so there were fewer working hours than the previous year.”
“But, there was a sharp contrast between retail sectors. The hours
reduction came from non-food retailing while grocery continued to
increase employment. This mixed and uncertain picture underlines the
need for a strong political focus on growth and a Budget that reduces
burdens on business,” he added.
–London newsroom: 4420 7862 7492; email: wwilkes@marketnews.com
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