According to the latest report by the ONS there were 2.76 million
jobs in retail in September 2025. The four-quarter average, which
smooths out the seasonal variations in hiring, showed
2.82 million jobs in September 2025, 74,000
fewer than the same point last year, and 355,000 fewer than in
2015.
Using the four-quarter average, there were 1.30 million full-time
and 1.53 million part-time jobs. The number of full-time jobs is
down 125,000 on a decade ago. Meanwhile, the number of part-time
jobs is down 229,000 over the same period.
Commenting on these figures, Helen Dickinson, Chief
Executive at the British Retail Consortium, 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 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
Government to achieve workable implementation that protects
employees without damaging employment opportunities will be
critical.”
-ENDS-
ONS jobs figures are reached by adding “Retail trade, except
of motor vehicles and motorcycles” of:
-
Jobs03: Employee jobs by
industry
-
Jobs04: Self-employment by
industry
Jobs03 data goes back to 1978, while Jobs04 data only goes back
to 1996. This means Total figures (and records) only go from
1996.
Any discrepancies with the figures the BRC published last quarter
are due to revisions of previous data made by the ONS.
