The number of UK retail jobs has declined to a “record low”, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Data from the organisation reveals that there were 2.76 million jobs in retail in September this year.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) said that the four-quarter average, which smooths out the seasonal variations in hiring, showed 2.8 million jobs in September 2025, 74,000 fewer than the same period last year and 355,000 fewer than 10 years again.

Using the four-quarter average, there were 1.3 million full-time and 1.53 million part-time jobs, down 125,000 on a decade ago.

Meanwhile, the number of part-time jobs is down 229,000 over the same period.

“The loss of 74,000 retail jobs represents the loss of 74,000 opportunities for people right across the country,” said Helen Dickinson, chief executive, BRC. "The number of retail jobs is now at a record low, and more have been lost in the last year than are employed in the fishing and steel manufacturing industries combined."

She went on to say that while the government is trying to increase the number of people in work, this could be difficult because the proposals under the Employment Rights Bill for Guaranteed Hours would make it "harder" for retailers to offer "local, flexible, and part-time" jobs.

"Once the Bill passes, ensuring meaningful dialogue across unions and employers with Government to achieve workable implementation that protects employees without damaging employment opportunities will be critical," added Dickinson.

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