Retail Jobs Warning Deepens as Softer Labour Market Adds to Wage Pressure

Analysts respond to data showing huge decline in retail jobs

Retail employment in the UK has fallen to its lowest level on record as of March 2026, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and analysis from the British Retail Consortium (BRC). Retail employment averaged 2.81 million roles in 2025 based on… This story continues at Analysts respond to data showing huge decline in retail jobs Or just read more coverage at Talking Retail

Retail jobs warning deepens as softer labour market adds to wage pressure

Retail employment has come under renewed pressure after the latest ONS labour market figures showed vacancies falling to their lowest level since 2021, prompting fresh warnings over hiring, youth employment…

Labour market stats response, April 2026

Every month, Learning and Work Institute produces detailed and timely analysis of the latest labour market statistics from ONS. Become a supporter to receive our monthly labour market briefing delivered to your inbox and navigate our labour market dashboard. Responding to the labour market stats release by ONS on 21 April 2026, Dr Helen Gray, Chief Economist at Learning and Work Institute, said: “This month’s labour market statistics are a tale …