The Retailer Winter edition_2020

Fundamental restructuring of our industry is triggering a seismic shift in our retail workforce Helen Dickinson OBE Chief Executive British Retail Consortium

The UK has one of the most vibrant and dynamic retail industries in the world. One that contributes £97.1 billion to the UK economy, employs three million people and has higher productivity growth than almost any other industry. Yet, there is a dramatic transformation happening. New technologies are changing customer behaviours and expectations; with companies investing millions in digital services and technological innovations to keep pace. Increasingly sophisticated and personalised online shopper experiences, smart mirrors in stores, shops without checkouts and personal shopper apps are just some of the developments unthinkable a few years ago but now a reality for the industry and consumers. This fundamental restructuring of our industry is triggering a seismic shift in our retail workforce. Our latest data shows 16th consecutive quarters of year-on-year decline in the retail workforce. The fewer roles that remain, or are being created, require a whole new set of skills and capabilities. It means retailers need to understand what skills they have and what additional roles and skills they need. It means they need to look in new and different places to find the right people; and develop different strategies to effectively upskill their staff. It also means finding innovative ways to keep their best talent in an increasingly competitive market place. At the BRC we’re committed to supporting our members and wider retail industry build a workforce fit for the future. Our BRC Learning Live event on 10 March is a great example of how we’re helping retail leaders find the right solutions. I look forward to seeing many of you – and your teams – there on the night.

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