The latest data release by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that the number of retail jobs has declined by almost a quarter of a million (249,000) since 2019. Compared to five years ago, full-time roles fell by 106,000, while part-time retail jobs saw an even starker decline, down by 142,000.

The data, which was taken from December 2024 – typically a high point for retail employment due to temporary roles created by Christmas and Peak Trading – showed the number of retail roles had also dropped by 70,000 compared to the year before, as employment levels within the sector continue to decline.

This warning shot for the sector comes ahead of it facing significant rises in wage costs in April, after National Insurance Contribution (NIC) and National Living Wage (NLW) increases outlined in the Autumn Budget.

Last month, the BRC warned one in ten part time retail jobs could risk being lost over the next three years as a result of the rising costs of employment due to measures outlined in the Budget. It estimates rising employer NICs and NLW will add approximately £5billion to retailers’ labour costs in 2025 alone, which could see jobs cut and prompt price hikes for consumers.

British shoppers also have expressed concerns about the impact of rising retail wage bills, according to Retail Technology Show (RTS) research.

Six in ten (62%) feared spiraling labour costs prompted by the Budget would mean retailers struggle to keep staff on.  A further two thirds (67%) also said significant rising cost pressures on retailers would equate to fewer staff in-store, negatively impacting customer service and overburdening the already pressured workloads of retail associates.