Retail industry organisations have urged the government to maintain momentum on key issues including retail crime, employment costs, and worker wellbeing following prime minister Keir Starmer's announcement that he will step down.

Chris Brook-Carter, chief executive of the Retail Trust, said political uncertainty should not be allowed to create further instability for retailers and their employees.

"Strong leadership around issues such as business rates, employment costs, retail crime and mental health remains as important to the future of the industry and the country as ever," he said.

Brook-Carter highlighted retail's role as one of the UK's largest employers, supporting nearly three million workers and contributing billions of pounds to the economy.

He welcomed forthcoming measures designed to tackle retail crime but warned that legislation alone would not be enough.

"The Crime and Policing Act must now be backed by consistent enforcement, more support for workers facing unacceptable incidents, and a visible public response against any hostility, intimidation or abuse towards staff," he said.

The Retail Trust also called for greater focus on employee wellbeing, arguing that efforts to encourage people with mental health conditions back into work should be accompanied by stronger employer investment in preventative mental health support.

Meanwhile, retail trade union Usdaw praised Starmer's record on workers' rights and retail crime while setting out its priorities for the next Labour leader.

Joanne Thomas, Usdaw general secretary and chair of Labour Unions , said Starmer had delivered significant reforms for retail workers during his time as prime minister.

"Under his leadership, Labour has delivered the biggest-ever uplift in workers' rights and substantial legislation to tackle retail crime and help prevent violence, threats and abuse against shop workers," she said. "We will be looking for a leader and Prime Minister who will ensure that Labour's manifesto commitment of a new deal for workers to help make work pay is delivered in full.”

She added that the next government leader must also prioritise economic growth to help protect jobs and support investment in public services.

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