The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has launched a new report assessing the role retailers play in developing their staff and highlighting the varied careers available in the retail sector.
“Retail in Society: Britain’s Favourite Job” was launched at the BRC’s Annual Parliamentary Reception. The event was attended by more than 200 MPs, MEPs, Peers and senior retail figures, with the keynote address delivered by Business Secretary Vince Cable.
The report, which is commended in an Early Day Motion today, challenges the commonly held misconception that retail jobs don’t lead to rewarding and exciting long-term careers by cataloguing retailers’ investment in their people.
A number of the retail staff featured in the report’s case-studies also attended the reception, speaking about the way their employers have helped foster their careers.
BRC director general Stephen Robertson, said: “A retail job can be a pathway into an exciting and fulfilling long-term career. Many leading retail figures started on the shop floor. The variety of roles on offer is astounding and our new report shows that British retailers are among the most supportive and encouraging employers in the UK.
“The BRC Parliamentary Reception is a great opportunity for retailers to meet MPs, talk about what retail is achieving and explain how the Government can help.
“Our members made the point that retailers are creating new jobs in a tough economy. We need the Government to support their efforts by avoiding regulation or other measures which add costs or administrative burdens.”
The BRC is looking to politicians to support retailers in developing people’s careers. It is also asking for a regulatory environment in which retailers can continue to create new jobs and economic growth.
According to the latest figures from the BRC’s Retail Employment Monitor the number of jobs in retail grew by 2.1% in the last quarter (when compared with the same quarter in the previous year), the equivalent 0f 12,750 new jobs. This is an encouraging sign in the face of tough trading conditions.
Source: BRC
