UK’s retailers urge flexible job rules to protect youth employment
UK's retail leaders are urging the government to keep employment reforms proportionate so that retailers can continue offering Saturday jobs and other flexible entry-level roles for young people.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...








