Blueprint to protect retail jobs and halt store closures launched by Usdaw union

Usdaw has released its plan for the future of retail work amid one of the most challenging periods in the industry’s history.

The shopworkers union reported that the industry has lost nearly three-quarters-of-a-million retail jobs and over 75,000 stores have closed since 2018 due to the growth of online retail.

Usdaw said the turmoil had resulted in over 30,000 retail jobs being cut, along with more than 2,000 store closures already this year. 

The union is calling for business taxation to be evened out between online and in-store retailers, as well as funding for local authorities to support physical stores.

It is also pushing for an increase in the minimum wage to at least £12 an hour, in a step towards £15 per hour, and improved sick pay. 

Other demands include retraining and upskilling for new technology and automation, reform of the apprenticeship levy, paid time off for training to become a legal right, protections against redundancy and more robust action from retailers and the government to “create a respectful, inclusive work environment within which every worker can thrive”.

Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis said: “For retail workers to prosper, not just survive, we need to make sure retail jobs are better jobs. Shopworkers need and deserve to be given a much better and fairer deal, which is at the heart of our plan launched today. It calls for the government to recognise the vital role that the retail sector and retail workers play in our economy and our society.

“For many young workers, retail is their first experience of work and for many others it offers flexible opportunities to help balance other commitments such as being a parent or carer.
 
“The retail industry directly employs 3 million people, with a further 1.5 million jobs reliant on the success of the industry. Yet the government continues to treat retail jobs as an afterthought. This needs to change, we cannot continue with shop work being synonymous with low pay, insecure hours and abuse. This isn’t just bad for employees but for the industry and the wider economy as well. 
 
“Usdaw is calling for a robust plan for the future of retail work that addresses both the immediate and urgent priorities facing the industry and staff, as well as wider measures to help deliver better jobs. We need a coordinated and inclusive approach, so we are urging government, retailers and all key stakeholders to engage with Usdaw.
 
“Only by working together can we help to deliver the better jobs retail workers need and deserve, while securing the future viability of the industry for the benefit of customers, workers, communities and our economy.”