Traditional retail jobs have declined by over a quarter since 2010

As the last Wilko stores close their doors, GMB analysis has revealed that more than 420,000 traditional retail jobs have been lost since the conservatives became the UK’s primary governing party in 2010, representing a decline of 28.4%.

The union claimed that the statistics “spark fear that the high street may be in terminal decline” and told the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool on Monday that more retail jobs are set to go unless economic reforms are made.

GMB is calling for the UK’s ‘archaic’ system of business rates to be replaced, alongside better protections for workers who are made redundant.  

“These shocking figures are a wakeup call that Wilko was not the first, and it will not be the last,” said Andy Prendergast, GMB National Secretary. ”Better support for communities and workers who face redundancy is urgently needed.” 

Meanwhile, the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) highlighted the important role of the convenience sector, which provides over 437,000 jobs in the UK, at a fringe event during the Labour Party Conference.

Speaking at High Streets: Heart of the Everyday Economy, ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Local shops play a vital role in the lives of their customers, providing them with access to essential products and services and acting as a social hub for those who may be more isolated or vulnerable and we know from the findings in our Community Barometer that convenience stores are considered to be essential by UK consumers.

“We are delighted to have this opportunity to highlight the positive role that these businesses play on high streets and local parades. Convenience retailers are dedicated to making a positive difference in their communities but they need more support from Government to ensure that they can continue provide these services now and into the future.”

Estimated brick and mortar retail jobs by nation and region 

Source: GMB analysis of ONS Labour Force Survey data April-June 2010 and April-June 2023 (the latest quarter for which figures are available). 
 
‘Brick and mortar’ retail jobs are measured by the occupational codes 7111 (‘sales and retail assistants’) and 7112 (‘retail cashiers and check-out operators’). These codes may not capture all retail jobs in physical stores and they do not cover retail distribution jobs.