Nearly 120,000 retail jobs lost and over 10,000 store closures last year – Usdaw again calls for an industrial strategy and recovery plan

Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says: “The scale of the challenge the retail industry faces is huge, with very high numbers of job losses and store closures that are scarring our high streets and communities. There are substantial issues that need to be addressed like rents, rates and taxation.

“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 co-ordinated and inclusive approach, so we are urging government, retailers and all key stakeholders to engage with Usdaw.

“The current business rates system is not fit for purpose, as it places bricks and mortar retailers at a significant disadvantage to online retail. In effect this amounts to nothing more than an unfair tax on shops and action has to be taken to level the playing field. We were deeply disappointed that the Government rejected an online sales tax, which was also supported by major retailers and could have been used to fund a reduction in business rates.

“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.”