New Opinium polling commissioned by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) found that four in five UK adults, or 80 per cent, believe part-time work, including the traditional Saturday job, is important in helping young people into employment. Support rises to 91 per cent amongst people aged 55 and over, underlining the value many place on these jobs as a first step into work.
Opinium polling for the BRC says 80 per cent of UK adults see part-time work, including Saturday jobs, as important for young people’s route into employment.
Retail and its supply chain account for 23 per cent of youth employment, with around 780,000 jobs held by 16 to 25-year-olds.
The BRC wants proportionate Guaranteed Hours reforms, a higher NICs threshold and the 18-20 wage rate retained.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium said: “For generations, Saturday jobs have given young people their first experience of work, helping them build confidence, develop new skills and take the first step in their careers. Retail has proudly provided these opportunities for millions of people, but they are becoming harder to sustain.”
Retail and its supply chain account for almost a quarter, or 23 per cent, of all youth employment. Around 780,000 retail jobs are held by 16 to 25-year-olds, with more than half, or 55 per cent, working part-time.
These opportunities are under pressure, the survey found, after retail lost almost 400,000 jobs over the past decade. Retailers have also faced an additional £6.5 billion (~$8.8 billion) in employment costs over the past two years following two increases to the National Living Wage and employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs). Government figures cited by the BRC showed earlier this week that Guaranteed Hours proposals could cost businesses an additional £2.9 billion (~$3.9 billion).
Retail staffing needs fluctuate through the year, with businesses offering more hours during busy periods and fewer when demand eases. If temporary peaks in demand become permanent contractual commitments, retailers may create fewer flexible, entry-level roles, reducing opportunities for young people seeking work experience.
The BRC is calling on the government to ensure Guaranteed Hours reforms under the Employment Rights Act remain proportionate, increase the NICs threshold to encourage entry-level hiring, and retain the separate National Minimum Wage rate for 18 to 20-year-olds.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk