Skillsmart Retail – AACS LMI
Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 A brief introduction to UK Retail
2. Retail
2.1
A brief description of what retail covers at the UK level
2.2
Information on careers available and new emerging jobs,
transferability of skills, career paths and opportunities for
progression
a) Career Available
- Store operations
- Human Resources/Training
- Finance and Administration
- Buying
- Customer Contact Centres
- Marketing
- Logistics
- Information Technology (IT)
- Visual Merchandising
b) New and emerging jobs
c) Transferability of skills,
d) Career paths and opportunities for progression
2.3
Information on retail pay scales
2.4
Information on entry requirements, application processes
e.g. Apprenticeships
2.5
Qualifications
2.6
Data on retail employment and labour market trends and forecasts
2.7
Retail skill shortages
2.8
Information on retail opportunities for adults changing career direction
2.9
Information on points of entry into retail or transfer into retail from
another area
2.10
Retail job profiles
2.11
Retail case studies
2.12
FAQs
2.13
Sources of additional information
2.14
Regional Information
2.14.1 East Midlands
2.14.2 East of England
2.14.3 London
1
2.14.4
2.14.5
2.14.6
2.14.7
2.14.8
2.14.9
2.14.10
2.14.11
2.14.12
2.14.13
North East
North West
South East
South West
West Midlands
Yorkshire and the Humber
England
Northern Ireland
Scotland
Wales
2
1. Introduction to Retail
1.1 A brief introduction to UK retail.
Retail activity can be expressed as the sale of goods for personal or household use or
consumption, traditionally via shops or markets. However, the boundaries have changed
somewhat in recent years due to the significant growth in online retailing and the
development of alternative formats such as farmers’ markets and travel retailing.
The retail sector is the United Kingdom’s largest private sector employer and employs
around 3 million people or 1 in 10 of the working population.
Within retail there are an estimated 290,000 businesses selling a wide range of products,
employing from one person to thousands of people who have a number of functions.
Further details concerning facts and figures relating to UK retail can be found on
Skillsmart Retails website at:
http://www.skillsmartretail.com/pdfs/key_facts_and_figures_2008.pdf
2. Retail
2.1 A brief description of what retail covers in the UK
The following brief descriptions of the key areas of retail activity in the UK are designed to
assist your understanding:
- New goods in specialised stores.
Within this area there are a range of familiar retail categories, including retailers of
clothing, footwear and leather goods, household DIY, books and newspapers.
- Non-specialised stores.
Includes large grocery retailers (like the ‘Big Four’ ASDA, Morrison, Sainsbury
Tesco) and non-food department stores like House of Fraser.
- Food, beverages and tobacco sold in specialised stores.
Retailers selling specialist goods like butchers, bakers, greengrocers, wine sellers,
tobacconists and fishmongers.
- Pharmaceutical and medical goods, cosmetic and toilet articles.
This area of retail is highly specialist in its nature. The largest retailer in this subsector is Boots the Chemist, followed by a number of pharmacy chains including
Lloyds and Moss.
- Not in stores.
Includes stalls, markets and other not in store retailers. Some online retailers fall
into this category.
- Second-hand goods sold in stores.
This category includes antique shops as well as charity and second-hand shops.
2.2
Information on careers available and new emerging jobs, transferability of skills,
career paths and opportunities for progression.
a) Careers available
There are eight job areas that cover the multitude of career options retail:
1. Store Operations
2. Human Resources/Training
3. Finance and Administration
3
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Buying
Customer Contact Centres
Marketing
Logistics
Information Technology (IT)
Further details concerning careers in UK retail can be found on Skillsmart Retails website
at: http://www.skillsmartretail.com/categories.php?categories_id=1
These eight areas are common in any category of retail from grocery stores, electrical
stores, to fashion outlets.
1. Store Operations
The majority of jobs in retail fall under the heading of store operations; these are jobs
that deal with the smooth running of the store and the physical selling of merchandise.
The jobs include management roles and work on the shop floor such as a sales assistant
or department manager. One of the top jobs in this area would be Director of Operations.
The list below suggests jobs that fall under this area.
- Director of operations
- Regional Manager
- Area Manager
- Store Manager
- Assistant Store Manager
- Floor Manager
- Department Manager
- Assistant Department Manager
- Supervisor
- Senior Sales Assistant
- Sales Assistant – General, beauty consultancy, lingerie fitting, visual
merchandising, bakery, butchery, fish mongering, fresh
produce (fruit and vegetables)
- Style Advisor/Personal Shopper
- Trolley pusher/shelf filler/ cleaner
Possible Career path in Retail Operations
Saturday job > assistant sales person > sales
Assistant > supervisor > Department manager > deputy store manager > Store manager
> Area manager > Regional sales manager > Regional Director
2. Human Resources/Training
Human Resources and Training, involves the development and implementation of policies
relating to the effective use of human resources within an organisation. Whatever the size
or type of business all organisations are required to have policies in place that cover areas
such as working practices, recruitment, pay, conditions of employment and diversity.
The HR function should help to ensure that the organisation employs the right balance of
staff in terms of skills and experience, and that training and development opportunities
are available to employees to enhance their performance in order to achieve the
organisation's objectives.
The list below shows a selection of jobs that fall under this area:
4
-
HR Director
HR Manager
Personnel Manager
HR Assistant
Training Director
Training Manager
Training Officer
Recruitment Officer
3. Finance and Administration
A career in corporate finance means that you may work for a company to help it find
money to run the business, grow the business, make acquisitions, plan for it's financial
future and manage cash on hand. You might work for a large multinational company or a
smaller player with high growth prospects. Responsibility can come fast and your attention
to detail and problem-solving skills will get put to work quickly in corporate finance.
Jobs in corporate finance are relatively stable providing that you maintain an excellent
standard of work, attention to detail is key. The key to performing well in corporate
finance is to work with a long view of what is going to make your company successful.
Many would argue that corporate finance jobs are the most desirable in the entire field of
finance.
The list below shows a selection of jobs that fall under this area:
- Finance Director
- Finance Controller
- Financial Analyst
- Credit Manager
- Chief Accountant
- Accountant
- Clerks
- Audit Manager
- Procurement Manager
- Tax and Treasury Manager
4. Buying
The main role of a retail buyer is to successfully purchase attractive merchandise ensuring
that the price, quality and availability are able to meet customer needs. By fully
understanding the customers' wants and needs, buyers are able to maximise profits and
provide a commercially viable range of merchandise at competitive prices.
The role of the buyer is demanding yet rewarding. Although support is provided it does
involve considerable responsibility and autonomy. The ability to multi-task, prioritise work
and meet strict deadlines are key requirements of a role that requires competency in a
wide range of other skills such as analytical, motivational and leadership skills. Buying
includes the job titles of:
The list below shows a selection of jobs that fall under this area:
- Merchandiser
- Assistant Buyer
- Buyer
- Senior Buyer
- Head of Buying
5
5. Customer Contact Centres (otherwise known as Call Centres)
Call centre operators, also known as contact centre operators, normally work in the
customer services department of an organisation maintaining regular contact with
customers by telephone, email, SMS messaging, fax and post. The work normally involves
selling goods and services, or providing information and advice. Much of it is done by
accessing and updating customers' records via a computer database.
Contact centres respond to and solve problems which their customers have encountered in
both products and services whilst shopping from their stores or websites. They may
replace products and/or refund the customer where the product or service did not meet
the customer’s expectations or compensate them in some way within the scope of their
customer service policy.
6. Marketing
Marketing executives in this field are involved in promoting and selling fast-moving
consumer goods (FMCGs) and products to the public, usually via the retail trade. FMCGs
are typically high-volume, low-value items with high public visibility and short life span,
such as food, drink, confectionery, toiletries, and household goods.
Marketing executives work on various projects to support the brand/marketing manager in
developing brands and promoting existing products, raising public awareness of the
client's products through advertising campaigns and in-store promotions and building
brand loyalty.
Alternative job titles are frequently used, e.g. assistant brand manager, assistant product
manager.
The list below shows a selection of jobs that fall under this area:
- Marketeer
- Information Analyst
- Loyalty Campaign Manager
- Brand Manager
- Events Planner
- Packaging Designers
- Marketing Plan Planner
- Design Planner
- Customer Insight Manager
- Marketing Manager
- Marketing Director
- Head of PR
- PR Assistant
- Fairtrade Ranging Strategist
7. Logistics
Logistics is the UK’s fifth biggest industry employing 1.7 million people across 65,000
organisations. The industry is essential to the efficient performance of the UK, touching
every business and household. It involves the movement, handling and storing of goods
through a variety of modes of transport including rail, road, air, deep sea, short sea and
waterways across 11 different supply chains.
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These supply chains are:
Automotive, Chemical & Petroleum, Clothing & Footwear, Construction, Electronics &
Electrical, Food & Drink, Furniture & Furnishings, Paper & Printing, Pharmaceutical &
Healthcare, Utilities and Third Party Logistics.
The list below shows a selection of jobs that fall under this area:
- Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) Driver
- Van Driver
- Warehouse / Distribution Manager
- Warehouse supervisor / operative
- Administrative Assistant
- Transport Supervisor
- Supply Chain Manager
- Human Resources Officer
- Health & Safety Officer
- Contract Manager
- Shipping Clerk
- Mechanic / Technician
- Motorcycle Despatch Rider
- Marketing and Communications Manager
- Packer
- Porter
- Transport Clerk
- Logistics Director
- Courier
- Accountant
- Distribution Manager
- Removals Clerk
8. Information Technology
Information systems managers install computer systems, ensure that backup systems
operate effectively, buy hardware and software, provide the ICT technology
infrastructures for an organisation, and contribute to organisational policy with regard to
quality standards and strategic planning.
Information systems managers work in every size of organisation in every industry and
service sector, usually with a staff of technicians, programmers and database
administrators reporting to them.
Within ICT, actual job titles are dependent on the employing organisation. You might, for
example, be a service delivery manager in a software house or a data processing manager
in an end-user organisation.
Daily duties could include:
- evaluating user needs and system functionality;
- ensuring that ICT facilities meet the needs of individuals and projects;
- planning, developing and implementing the ICT budget, obtaining competitive prices
from suppliers, where appropriate, to ensure cost effectiveness;
- scheduling upgrades and security backups of hardware and software systems;
- researching and installing new systems;
- ensuring the smooth running of all ICT systems, including anti-virus software, print
services and e-mail provision;
7
-
ensuring that software licensing laws are adhered to;
providing secure access to the network for remote users;
ensuring the security of data from internal and external attack;
providing users with appropriate support and advice
managing crisis situations, which may involve complex technical hardware or
software problems;
- mentoring and training new ICT support staff;
- keeping up to date with the latest technologies.
9. Visual Merchandising
A visual merchandiser’s objective is to manage the aspects that work to trigger the
consumer’s buying impulses. As shoppers can find identical merchandise in more than one
retailer, how the products are presented is the key to creating an advantage over
competitors and, to be successful, visual merchandisers must forge a close working
relationships with all departments so that brand integrity is constant. Artistic and creative
ability are essential for the role and a background in 3D design and IT is useful.
More details can be got from:
http://www.skillsmartretail.com/pdfs/types_of__retail_jobs.pdf
b) New and emerging jobs
Designing and rolling out e-commerce schemes has increased the demand for appropriate
technical personnel and skills in the first place, but online trading has also placed new
requirements on the marketing and customer service aspects of many retail businesses.
- Regarding the technical skills required for the online operations of the larger
retailers, the main specialist skills needed are currently IT-related, and can be
grouped into four broad categories:
- Design of the web portal as the online ‘shop window’ of the retailer, including webbased graphic design, user features, web advertising, and the use of programming
languages e.g. java, web logic, web spheres
- Front line administration of online customer transactions, including secure payments,
electronic billing, cancellations and refunds; also related to this theme is the design
of online customer service and on-demand assistance templates
- Logistics and distribution, including back end systems, online stock management,
warehouse administration, just-in-time delivery, demand predictions, and central
purchasing
- Data analysis, including complex online data mining and statistical analysis, creating
business intelligence from purchasing patterns, and trends in customer preferences
c) Transferability of skills within the sector
Retail employers may look for specific skill sets from particular area of retail but the
core set of skills that all employers look for from an employee in retail are:
- Customer service
- Oral communication
- Team-working
- Problem solving
- Management
For employees wishing to work in retail management the following skill sets may be
required:
- Leadership skills
- Numeracy
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- Communication
- Motivational skills
- Self-confidence
- Customer service skills
- Organisational and planning
- Commercial awareness
- Conflict management
- People skills
- General high intelligence
- Delegation skills
- Literacy and IT skills
- Stock awareness
- Negotiating skills
- An entrepreneurial spirit
d) Career paths and opportunities for progression
This area is to be completed in future years funding provision
2.3
Information on retail pay scales
The following details the average 2008 retail pay scales for the 6 key areas of retail in the
UK.
New goods in specialised stores.
.
- Storage and warehouse managers £22,000-£31,000 (Supervisor =£32,000£35,000)
- Retail and wholesale managers £17,000- £27,000 (Supervisor 28,000-40,000)
- Shopkeepers, wholesale & retail dealers £21,000 - £30,000
- Buyers and purchasing officers £23,000 - £34,000
- Sales and retail assistants £11,000 -£15,000 (Supervisor £15,000-£20,000)
- Retail cashiers/check-out operators £11,000 - £13,000
- Merchandisers and window dressers £17,000 – £24,000
- Van drivers £15,000- £21,000 (Supervisor £22,000- £26,000)
- Shelf fillers £12,000 -£15,000
- Elementary sales occupations £10,000-£12,000
Non-specialised stores.
.
- Storage and warehouse managers £22,000-£31,000 (Supervisor =£32,000£35,000)
- Retail and wholesale managers £17,000- £27,000 (Supervisor 28,000-40,000)
- Shopkeepers, wholesale & retail dealers £21,000 - £30,000
- Buyers and purchasing officers £23,000 - £34,000
- Sales and retail assistants £11,000 -£15,000 (Supervisor £15,000-£20,000)
- Retail cashiers/check-out operators £11,000 - £13,000
- Merchandisers and window dressers £17,000 – £24,000
- Van drivers £15,000- £21,000 (Supervisor £22,000- £26,000)
- Shelf fillers £12,000 -£15,000
- Elementary sales occupations £10,000-£12,000
Food, beverages and tobacco sold in specialised stores.
- Butchers meat cutters £14,000-£19,000
- Bakers flour confectioners £14,000 - £17,000
- Shopkeepers, wholesale & retail dealers £21,000 - £30,000
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Pharmaceutical and medical goods, cosmetic and toiletries.
- Pharmacists & pharmacologists £32,000 - £42,000
- Pharmacy managers £33,000 - £39,000
Not in stores.
- Telephone salespersons (CC Centres) £15,000 - £19,000
- Customer care occupations (CC Centres) £13,000 - £18,000
Second-hand goods sold in stores
- None available
This data is taken from ASHE (Annual survey of hours and earnings) 2008. More details
can be got from:
http://www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/Product.asp?vlnk=15187&Pos=&ColRank=1&Rank
=272
2.4
Information on entry requirements, application processes, e.g. Apprenticeships
Job vacancies appear in a number of places, including several personnel and training
journals. People Management, published fortnightly, is sent to all those professionally
qualified in the field of people management and development. Although many of the jobs
advertised in it are at middle and senior levels of responsibility. It gives a good indication
of current jobs and salaries. Also, you'll get an idea of what employers are looking for and
what career progression is possible.
Other magazines that are useful sources for jobs in retail are The Grocer, Total Retail and
Retail Week.
A range of retail jobs can be found on internet job sites. Two retail specific sites are
www.retailmoves.com and www.inretail.co.uk
A Summary of Retail Apprenticeships
Retail Apprenticeships are available to people looking to work in retail and who want to
learn the skills needed for a successful career in the industry. As an Apprentice you get to
develop retail specific skills and knowledge while learning key/core skills such as
communication and numeracy as well as becoming aware of your rights and
responsibilities as an employee.
Retail Apprenticeships allow you to develop an understanding of how the sector operates
while enabling you to decide which area of retail you feel most comfortable working in.
You will learn how to work effectively in your team and organisation.
At the initial level it would also cover:
- Service, selling and product knowledge
- Merchandise handling, storage and display
- Maintaining health & safety in the workplace
- Keeping the workplace secure and preventing theft and loss
At advanced level it could also cover:
- Managing customer service
- Merchandising and sales
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- Stock management
- Team management
- Developing people
Apprentices work towards a level 2 Retail Skills National/Scottish Vocational Qualification
(N/SVQ) or a level 3 in Retail (Retail Management, Sales Professional or Visual
Merchandising pathway) N/SVQ, which cover the above skills.
What qualifications will a Retail Apprentice get?
There are differences in the qualifications depending on which part of the UK the
apprentice is located and the level of the Apprenticeship, and consist of:
Initial level
In England, Northern Ireland and Wales as an apprentice you will work towards a Retail
Skills National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at level 2, which is about the skills needed to
do the job. Apprentices are also required to complete level 1 qualifications covering key
skills (essential skills in Northern Ireland) in communication and numeracy, plus a level 2
technical certificate which covers essential retail knowledge and understanding.
In Scotland individuals on Skillseekers work towards just a Scottish Vocational
Qualification (SVQ). An SVQ is the same as an NVQ as it covers the skills needed to do the
job.
Advanced level
The types of qualifications for an advanced level Apprenticeship are similar to those for an
initial level Apprenticeship in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. However, you will be
working towards a Retail NVQ (Retail Management, Sales Professional or Visual
Merchandising pathway) and technical certificate at level 3 and key skills/essential skills at
level 2.
In Scotland the programme differs to Skillseekers in that apprentices are required to
achieve core skills in communication, numeracy, IT, working with others and problem
solving. These are intermediate level 1 qualifications, except working with others which is
at intermediate level 2. Apprentices also have to achieve the Retail SVQ (Retail
Management, Sales Professional or Visual Merchandising) at level 3.
Job roles in Retail Apprenticeships
On a Retail Apprenticeship apprentices will experience a variety of job roles consisting of:
- Check out and cash handling
- Working with customers
- Replenishing and rotating stock
- Setting up displays
- Stock control, including ordering and delivery
More details can be got from:
http://www.skillsmartretail.com/categories.php?apprentice=1&pages_id=29
How to get on to a Retail Apprenticeship
Retail Apprenticeships are available to individuals of any age. You need to be aware,
however, that if you are seeking Government funding for your programme, there may be
restrictions in terms of age and/or availability of public funds. If you are not publicly
funded, you may either fund yourself or seek funding from your employer.
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Still at school and want to do a Retail Apprenticeship? You should start by talking it
over with your careers/Connexions advisor who will be able to help you with more
information. If you decide that this is what you want to do, your careers/Connexions
advisor will help you find a suitable training provider in your area and will help you to
make an appointment to meet with them.
Already left school? There are several ways to apply for an Apprenticeship. Applications
can be made to retailers who take on apprentices to find out what opportunities are
available. Alternatively approaches can be made to a careers/ Connexions advisor or a
training provider for assistance in getting on the programme.
Details of training providers can be obtained from careers/Connexions advisors in the local
area or from the government agency that funds apprenticeship training. In England this is
the Learning and Skills Council (www.lsc.gov.uk), in Wales the Welsh Assembly
Government (www.wales.gov.uk), in Northern Ireland the Department for Employment
and Learning (www.delni.gov.uk) and in Scotland it is Skills Development Scotland
(www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk).
Already employed in retail and wish to go on to do a Retail Apprenticeship? You
should talk to your line manager or contact the human resources or training department
to find out whether the company does offer Apprenticeships, or whether they would be
prepared to consider making the training available.
Becoming an apprentice is no different to applying for a job. There is a selection process
that may involve interviews or some basic tests to ensure that you are right for the
programme. The selection process would be carried out by the retailer, possibly assisted
by the training provider.
Applicants need to be prepared to sell themselves and show the retailer what they are
capable of and that they would be right for a Retail Apprenticeship.
Further details concerning UK retail Apprenticeships can be found on Skillsmart Retails
website at:
http://www.skillsmartretail.com/pdfs/all_you_need_to_know_about_retail_apprenticeship
s.pdf
2.5
Qualifications
Key facts relating to qualifications of the UK retail workforce are:
- 23% of people employed within retail do not have an NVQ qualification
- 28% of people employed within retail have a NVQ level 2 qualification
- 35% of retail employees have a NVQ level 3, or higher, qualification
- Skillsmart Retail, the Sector Skills Council for retail, is developing a network of 30+
Skill Shops through its National Skills Academy for Retail across the UK.
Further information concerning the National Skills Academy for Retail can be accessed
through the following link: http://www.skillsmartretail.com/nsa/index.php
There are a large number of qualifications available for people working within retail. The
following web link takes you to a more detailed explanation of the qualifications on offer.
More details can be got from:
http://www.skillsmartretail.com/pdfs/retail_qualifications_database.pdf
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2.6
Data on retail employment and labour market trends and forecasts
Summary of key data on retail employment in the United Kingdom
- Retail accounts for £265 billion in sales and one-third of all consumer spending. It also
underpins the tourism, leisure and hospitality sectors
- In terms of its geographical spread it has a major presence in each of the nations of the
UK and in every region. This makes retail ‘all pervasive’ in a very real sense.
- There are an estimated 290,000 retail businesses operating throughout the UK. Much
of the employment and turnover is accounted for by a few dominant retailers who
operate both nationally and internationally. There are, however, a substantial number
of smaller retailers who operate locally or in niche markets.
- A third of all those who work in the retail sector are below the age of 25.
- There is a 60:40 split of women to men working within retail.
- Half of all those employed in the sector are in part-time positions (the whole economy
average is 25%).
- Retail plays an important role in the regeneration of towns and cities throughout the
UK. It provides a catalyst to instil change as retailers seek to enhance their offer to the
consumer and modernise the spaces within which they trade.
- The retail sector provides the essential link between producers of products and the
consumers of those products.
- Just 10 retailers employ around a third of all those who work in the sector.
- Retail employs a far greater proportion of 19-25 year olds than the UK economy as a
whole.
- 50% of those working in retail are part-time (the whole economy average is 25%)
Labour Market Trends
The current UK retail market is dominated by a comparatively small number of large
stores, 500+ employees, who employ 65% of people working in retail and have 69% of all
annual turnover of retail businesses. The largest number of establishments1 are
businesses with less than 10 people, which make up 83% of all retailers. These small
retail outlets employ 29% of the workforce and take 19% of total retail outlet.
However, the current recessionary climate is affecting all areas of retail business. It is
anticipated, and portrayed through the media, that retail is going to be having a difficult
period on the high street for the rest of 2009. But certain sections of retail businesses,
online and value/discount stores are showing signs of growth in these hard times for retail
and retailers.
Forecasts
Between 2007 and 2017, 214,000 new retail jobs are expected to be created in United
Kingdom, while a further 1.2 million jobs will need to be filled as a result of people leaving
the sector (replacement demand). This means a total requirement of around 1.4 million
jobs
2.7
1
Retail skill shortages
The following table highlights the softer skills of customer handling and communication
are the skills that are most required in retail, e.g. 52% of English retailers reporting skill
gaps identified customer handling as an area of development.
Retail establishment data relates to the number of stores/outlets, i.e. a Tesco store in London
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Customer handling skills
Problem solving skills
Planning and organising
Team working skills
Communication skills
England %
52
33
38
42
50
Scotland %
66
52
50
50
46
Wales %
68
62
59
51
53
GB Average %
62
49
49
48
50
Source: Future Skills Wales 2005, Futureskills Scotland 2005 and the National Employers Skills Survey 2005
2.8
Information on retail opportunities for adults changing career direction
The retail industry provides people with good generic skills and is attractive to adults
changing career direction for the same reason.
Jobs in retail offer people the chance to develop a new career, working as many or as few
hours as they choose.
Increased opening hours have allowed a greater flexibility in the types of jobs available
and full-time, part-time, or shift work is available.
Although there are many different types of jobs in retail many adults will enter the
workplace in store operations, this could mean being a sales assistant. The skills needed
for these types of roles are as follows:
Functional Skills
 Enjoys working with people
 Be friendly and approachable, with a polite and helpful manner
 Communication
o Capable of talking to colleagues and customers
o Confident to ask and answer questions of customers and colleagues
o Good listening and questioning skills
 Can understand and follow instructions
 Adaptable to cope with a changing fast paced environment
 Remains calm and productive when working under pressure
 Alert and observant
 Promotes and develops outstanding customer service
 Capable of listening to a customers needs and creating a sale
Teamwork Skills
 Able to follow instructions given by team leader
 Positive, helpful and respectful attitude when dealing with customers and colleagues
 Willing to seek help when unsure what to do
 Offers to help when colleagues are busy
 Able to carry out multiple tasks
 Good time keeper
Physical/health requirements
 Meet the organisations standards for dress, appearance and behaviour
 Professional manner
 Physically able to stand in store for a given period*
 Physically able to lift light to heavy loads for stock replenishment*
(*subject to reasonable adjustment requirements within DDA)
Legal Requirements
 Legally eligible to work in UK
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

Over 18 if role involves sale of alcohol
Criminal convictions (in line with Rehabilitation of Offenders Legislation)
Other Requirements
 Reliable and trustworthy
 Good level of verbal reasoning
 Must have basic numeracy capabilities for pricing and cash handling
Qualifications or experience in retail or other customer service focused roles would be
useful.
Career changers can also look to apply for more advanced roles – for example supervisor
and management roles. People with similar skills experience can transfer these skills from
other similar customer service focused sectors.
2.9
Information on points of entry into retail or transfer into retail from another area
The retail industry employs a wide age range of people, and entry to roles at an older age
is not uncommon.
Recruiters are not always interested in academic success but more importantly the crucial
skills of people who are good with people, thrive in fast-paced work, understand the
importance of good customer service, are well organised, full of initiative and able to multi
task.
An interest in retail needs to be proven not just by bulging carrier bags but by experience
working there, even in Saturday jobs, although sometimes other business experience is
equally valuable.
For those needing help with entering the retail workforce the programme below has been
created to assist with that.
A Pre-employment Retail Skills Standard Training Programme
Retail Works
Retail Works is a flexible modular training programme which delivers the essential skills
necessary to work in retail for those who have never worked in the industry before. It has
been designed to provide those who may be out of work or who work in a different sector
with the vital skills they need to successfully apply for and secure a job in retail. The
programme works alongside generic employability training.
The Retail Works programme was created after consultation with large national retailers
including John Lewis Partnership and Sainsburys as well as recruitment and training
organisations. Their feedback and comments was incorporated into the content which was
developed in association with Solihull College to reflect the skills, attitudes and attributes
15
that retailers indicated as required and desired at the pre-employment stage.
Resources for the course include:
• Retail Works, the candidate workbook
• A RetailPassport valid for a year
• A CD-ROM tutor guide
• Retail Works Toolkit including
• A recruitment checklist
• The format for a selection event
• A three week work placement model (for employers to adopt once the beneficiaries have
entered the work place)
• An employability checklist
Jobcentre Plus has secured agreements, under the Local Employment Partnerships, with a
number of national retailers which may result in guaranteeing beneficiaries an interview or
work placement in their stores on successful completion of the programme.
For more information, please contact Gemma Behan, Retail Routeway Manager
Gemma.Behan@skillsmartretail.com
2.10 Retail job profiles
There are fifty job profiles for the retail sector detailed on the Skillsmart Retail website
which can be found by accessing the following link:
- Retail Sales and Customer Service
2.11 Retail case studies
Please use the following links to access video case studies on:
- An Assistant Supervisor at Waitrose,
http://www.careersbox.co.uk/cambs/waitrose/daniel.wmv
- Retail Management at Waitrose,
http://www.careersbox.co.uk/cambs/waitrose/helen.wmv
- Life as a Partner at Waitrose, http://www.careersbox.co.uk/cambs/waitrose/matt.wmv
- A Showroom Design at B & Q,
http://www.careersbox.co.uk/cambs/bandq/ritanatalie.wmv
- Fast Track to Management at B & Q,
http://www.careersbox.co.uk/cambs/bandq/kathryn.wmv
16
2.12 FAQs
What kind of
Salary could
I earn?
School Leaver Response
Retail Operations Regional:
10k-14k
Retail Operations in London: 11.5k14.5k
Head Office:
12k-16k
Graduate Response
Retail Operations Regional:
17k-22k
Retail Operations in London: 19k – 24k
Head Office:
19k-26k
What kind of
benefits
might I get?
Discount Allowance / % Off Products
Uniform
Free Products
Discount Allowance / % Off Products
Free Products
What Career
Path is
available to
me?
In-house training programmes are
available to all staff.
Retail welcomes people with all types of
skills, experience and qualifications.
There are jobs for everyone and you can
achieve your ‘dream role’ through drive
and determinism – there are no exams
to pass!
In-house training programmes are
available to all staff.
Retail welcomes people with all types of
skills, experience and qualifications.
There are jobs for everyone and you can
achieve your ‘dream role’ through drive
and determinism – there are no exams
to pass!
What will be
my working
hours?
Retail Operations: Trading hours reflect
Customer demand. This allows a more
flexible work life structure.
Head Office: Usually between 8.30am6.00pm.
Retail Operations: Trading hours reflect
Customer demand. This allows a more
flexible work life structure.
Head Office: Usually between 8.30am6.00pm.
How far will
I be
expected to
travel to
work?
Can I start
my own
business in
Retail?
Roles are usually recruited locally and
you will normally apply to work in your
location of choice.
Roles are usually recruited centrally and
applicants are expected to be flexible
with travel.
All things are possible but the experience
of working in an established business will
allow you to reap the rewards of
practical experience.
All things are possible but the experience
of working in an established business will
allow you to reap the rewards of
practical experience.
What
interview
techniques
are used
today?
Application form: Hard Copy or On-line
One to One Interview or Assessment Day
Job Offer: If Successful
Application form: On-line
Assessment Centre (may have pre-work)
One to One Interview
If Successful: Job Offer
If Unsuccessful: Feedback
What
qualification
s do I need
to work in
Retail?
There are no professional qualifications
that need to be passed to achieve a
great job in Retail. Although numeracy
and literacy are helpful, motivation and
attitude will allow you to achieve the job
you work towards.
The discipline is that you have achieved
a degree level qualification. Most skills
and knowledge are learnt whilst working
and having a strategic minds and a hard
work ethic will allow you to achieve your
chosen role.
2.13
Sources of additional information
Other sources of information concerning retail can be accessed through the following
links:
17
Retail Therapy is a bi-annual magazine produced by Skillsmart Retail in-conjunction with
The Independent newspaper. It contains articles focusing on the key issues and topics
affecting the UK retail industry.
http://www.independentezines.co.uk/retailtherapy/
InRetail is a recruitment site wholly devoted to UK retail jobs.
http://www.inretail.co.uk/pages/content.asp
The Appointment is a careers magazine for retail, fashion and hospitality
http://www.theappointment.co.uk/
The Retail Trust is the principle charity working in the retail industry offering help and
guidance to people working in retail.
http://www.retailtrust.org.uk/
Jobs in Retail is a recruitment site devoted to UK retail jobs.
http://www.jobsinretail.co.uk/
Hays Recruitment (retail) is a recruitment site devoted to UK retail jobs.
http://www.hays.com/retail
Talisman is a recruitment site devoted to UK retail jobs.
http://www.talismanretail.co.uk/
Careers in Wales website assists in developing people through life-long career planning
including on assistance in working in retail.
http://www.careerswales.com/
2.14 Regional Information
Retail employment and activity are evenly distributed across the UK. However, there are distinct
clusters of major centres of retail: - London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Liverpool/Manchester,
Newcastle and Nottingham/Leicester/Derby.
2.13.1
Retail in the East Midlands
Retail employment numbers
The retail sector in the East Midlands employs 189,408 people (latest 2008 estimate) which
accounts for nearly 8% of the total retail workforce in England.
Retail
employees
East Midlands
England
189,408
2,391,897
% growth
5 year
trend
-5
-5
% of all
retail in
England
8
100
% of all
employment
in region
10
10
Source: ABI 2008
18
Retail business numbers
There are 19,634 retail business based in the East Midlands.
Retail
establishment
East Midlands
England
19,634
242,616
%
growth
5 year
trend
+1
+0
% of all
retail
businesses
in England
8
100
% of all
businesses
in region
11
11
Source: ABI 2008
Retail business by size
86% of East Midlands retail businesses have less than 10 employees.
Numbers
employed
1-4
5-10
11-24
25-49
50-199
200
Total
Retail
businesses
in region
% of all
retail in
region
13,169
3,728
1,621
604
366
146
19,634
67.1
19.0
8.3
3.1
1.9
0.7
100.0
%
growth
5 year
trend
+1.1
+5.2
-2.9
-3.8
-17.9
+3.5
+0.9
No. of retail
businesses
in England
% of all in
England
161,324
45,973
21,155
7,475
4,863
1,826
242,616
66
19
9
3
2
1
100
Source: ABI 2008
Gender breakdown
63% of retail employees in retail in the East Midlands are female, just above the national
average of 60%.
Male
Female
Total
East Midlands
%
England
%
71,021
118,388
189,409
37
63
100
950,469
1441430
2,391,897
40
60
100
Source: ABI 2008
Full time and part time employees
57% of employees working in retail in the East Midlands are part time employees.
Full-time
Part-time
Total
East Midlands
%
England
%
82,042
107,367
189,409
43
57
100
1,065,452
1,326,447
2,391,899
45
55
100
Source: ABI 2008
Retail employees by occupation
The majority of retail employees in the East Midlands are Sales and Customer Service
Occupations (48%) and Managers and Officials (19%) but there is a larger number than the
average employee levels of Elementary Occupations in the East Midlands (16%) compared to the
national English average (13%).
19
Occupational group
Sales and customer service occupations
Managers and senior officials
Elementary occupations
Administrative and secretarial
Associate professional and technical
Skilled trades occupations
Process plant and machine operatives
Professional occupations
Personal service occupations
Total
East Midlands
102,468
41,156
33,568
11,951
10,150
6,231
6,183
3,102
248
215,055
%
48
19
16
6
5
3
3
1
…
100
England
1,184,300
452,300
311,100
149,800
120,300
81,000
69,800
48,000
4,500
2,421,000
%
49
19
13
6
5
3
3
2
0
100
Source: LFS (Annualised) 2007
Skills shortage
The greatest perceived skills shortage amongst retail employees in the East Midlands is with
technical, practical or job specific skills and with customer handling skills.
Base: 402
East Mid %
Eng %
Customer handling skills
29
50
Technical, practical or job-specific skills
33
47
Oral communication skills
...
45
Problem solving skills
...
35
Team working skills
14
35
Written communication skills
...
32
Management skills
10
31
Numeracy skills
4
30
Literacy skills
4
28
Office admin skills
4
16
General IT user skills
4
15
Foreign language skills
...
14
Source: NESS 2007
Go to web link for further data:
http://www.skillsmartretail.com/pdfs/east_mid_regional_background_brief.pdf
2.13.2
Retail in the East of England
Retail employment numbers
Retail in the East of England employs 274,350 people which accounts for 11% of the total retail
workforce in England and 11% of the all employment in the East of England.
Retail
employees
East of England
England
274,350
2,391,897
% growth
5 year
trend
-7
-5
% of all
retail in
England
11
100
% of all
employment
in region
11
10
Source: ABI 2008
Retail business numbers
There are 25,258 retail business based in the East of England.
20
East of England
England
Retail
businesses
% growth
5 year
trend
25,258
242,616
+2
+0
% of all
retail
businesses
in England
10
100
% of all
businesses
in region
10
11
Source: ABI 2008
Retail business by size
84% of East of England retail businesses have less than 10 employees.
Numbers
employed
Retail
businesses in
region
% of all
retail in
region
16,518
4,751
2,379
841
541
228
25,258
65.4
18.8
9.4
3.3
2.1
0.9
100.0
1-4
5-10
11-24
25-49
50-199
200+
Total
%
growth 5
year
trend
+4.4
+0.0
-6.2
-1.2
-13.9
-2.1
+1.8
No. of retail
businesses
in England
% of all
in
England
161,324
45,973
21,155
7,475
4,863
1,826
242,616
66
19
9
3
2
1
100
Source: ABI 2008
Gender breakdown
60% of retail employees in retail in the East of England are female.
East of England
%
England
%
Male
Female
110,816
163,535
40
60
950,469
1,441,430
40
60
Total
274,351
100
2,391,897
100
Source: ABI 2008
Full time and part time employees
58% of employees working in retail in the East of England are part time employees.
Full-time
Part-time
Total
East of England
116,082
158,269
%
42
58
England
1,065,452
1,326,447
%
45
55
274,351
100
2,391,899
100
Source: ABI 2008
Retail employees by occupation
The majority of retail employees in the East of England are Sales and Customer Service
Occupations (45%) and Managers and Officials (19%).
21
Occupational group
Sales and customer service occupations
Managers and senior officials
Elementary occupations
Administrative and secretarial
Associate professional and technical
Skilled trades occupations
Process Plant and machine operatives
Professional occupations
Personal service occupations
Total
East of England
124,900
%
45
England
1,184,300
%
49
53,300
39,500
18,400
17,700
12,700
8,200
4,900
…
279,800
19
14
7
6
5
3
2
0
100
452,300
311,100
149,800
120,300
81,000
69,800
48,000
4,500
2,421,000
19
13
6
5
3
3
2
0
100
Source: LFS (Annualised) 2007
Skills shortage
The greatest perceived skills shortage amongst retail employees in the East of England is with
written communication skills, oral communication skills and customer handling skills.
Base: 402
East Eng %
Eng %
Customer handling skills
65
50
Technical, practical or job-specific skills
55
47
Oral communication skills
64
45
Problem solving skills
59
35
Team working skills
40
35
Written communication skills
69
32
Management skills
59
31
Numeracy skills
19
30
Literacy skills
33
28
Office admin skills
8
16
General IT user skills
...
15
Foreign language skills
6
14
Source: NESS 2007
Go to web link for further data:
http://www.skillsmartretail.com/pdfs/east_of_england_regional_background_brief.pdf
2.13.3
Retail in the London
Retail employment numbers
Retail in London employs 376,523 people which accounts for 16% of the total retail workforce in
England and 9% of the all employment in London.
Retail
employees
London
England
376,523
2,391,897
% growth
5 year
trend
+2
-5
% of all
retail in
England
16
100
% of all
employment
in region
9
10
Source: ABI 2008
Retail business numbers
There are 39,414 retail business based in London. This equates to 16% of all English retail
businesses being based in London.
22
Retail
businesses
% growth
5 year
trend
% of all
businesses
in region
+1
% of all
retail
businesses
in England
16
London
39,414
England
242,616
0
100
11
10
Source: ABI 2008
Retail business by size
87% of London retail businesses have less than 10 employees.
Numbers
employed
1-4
5-10
11-24
25-49
50-199
200+
Total
Retail
businesses
in region
27,999
6,121
3,035
1,137
859
263
39,414
% of all
retail in
region
71.0
15.5
7.7
2.9
2.2
0.7
100.0
% growth
5 year
trend
-0.4
0.4
8.6
13.9
6.0
-5.4
0.9
No. of retail
businesses in
England
161,324
45,973
21,155
7,475
4,863
1,826
242,616
% of all
in
England
66
19
9
3
2
1
100
Source: ABI 2008
Gender breakdown
55% of retail employees in retail in London are female. This figure is 5 percentage points below
the national average in England of 60%.
Male
Female
Total
London
168,002
208,522
376,524
%
45
55
100
England
950,469
1441430
2,391,897
%
40
60
100
Source: ABI 2008
Full time and part time employees
50% of employees working in retail in London are part time employees. This in part may be due
to the number of retail headquarters being located in London.
Full-time
London
189,809
%
50
England
1,065,452
%
45
Part-time
Total
186,715
376,524
50
100
1,326,447
2,391,899
55
100
Source: ABI 2008
Retail employees by occupation
The majority of retail employees in London are Sales and Customer Service Occupations (48%)
and Managers and Officials (21%). The higher levels of Managers and Officials in London may be
due to the number of large store headquarters being based in and around London.
23
Occupational group
Sales and customer service occupations
Managers and senior officials
Elementary occupations
Associate professional and technical
Administrative and secretarial
Process plant and machine operatives
Skilled trades occupations
Professional occupations
Personal service occupations
Total
London
148,479
64,822
29,614
22,140
15,275
13,478
9,413
7,715
1,024
311,959
%
48
21
9
7
5
4
3
2
0
100
England
1,184,300
452,300
311,100
120,300
149,800
69,800
81,000
48,000
4,500
2,421,000
%
49
19
13
5
6
3
3
2
0
100
Source: LFS (Annualised) 2007
Skills shortage
The greatest perceived skills shortage amongst retail employees in London is with customer
handling skills and oral communication skills.
Base: 402
London %
Eng %
Customer handling skills
61
50
Technical, practical or job-specific skills
54
47
Oral communication skills
63
45
Problem solving skills
35
35
Team working skills
41
35
Written communication skills
40
32
Management skills
28
31
Numeracy skills
19
30
Literacy skills
27
28
Office admin skills
21
16
General IT user skills
23
15
Foreign language skills
28
14
Source: NESS 2007
Go to web link for further data:
http://www.skillsmartretail.com/pdfs/london_regional_background_brief.pdf
2.13.4
Retail in the North East
Retail employment numbers
Retail in the North East employs 106,513 people which accounts for 4% of the total retail
workforce in England and 10% of the all employment in the North East.
Retail
employees
North East
England
106,513
2,391,897
% growth
5 year
trend
-4
-5
% of all
retail in
England
4
100
% of all
employment
in region
10
10
Source: ABI 2008
Retail business numbers
There are 10,569 retail business based in the North East. This equates to 4% of all English retail
businesses being based in the North East and retail business making up 14% of all businesses in
the region.
24
North East
England
Retail
businesses
% growth
5 year
trend
10,569
242,616
-4
0
% of all
retail
businesses
in England
4
100
% of all
businesses
in region
14
11
Source: ABI 2008
Retail business by size
84% of the North East retail businesses have less than 10 employees.
Numbers
employed
1-4
5-10
11-24
25-49
50-199
200
Total
Retail
businesses
in region
% of all
retail in
region
6,506
2,390
1,011
383
203
76
10,569
61.6
22.6
9.6
3.6
1.9
0.7
100.0
%
growth 5
year
trend
-7.4
+9.7
-12.2
+16.1
-16.5
+5.6
-3.9
No. of retail
businesses
in England
% of all
in
England
161,324
45,973
21,155
7,475
4,863
1,826
242,616
66
19
9
3
2
1
100
Source: ABI 2008
Gender breakdown
65% of retail employees in retail in the North East are female. This figure is 5 percentage points
above the national average in England of 60%.
Male
Female
Total
North East
37,184
69,329
106,513
%
35
65
100
England
950,469
1,441,430
2,391,897
%
40
60
100
Source: ABI 2008
Full time and part time employees
59% of employees working in retail in the North East are part time employees and might be a
reflection of the higher proportion of females working in North East retail utilising the flexibility
of working pattern available in retail.
Full-time
Part-time
Total
North East
43,658
62,855
106,513
%
41
59
100
England
1,065,452
1,326,447
2,391,899
%
45
55
100
Source: ABI 2009
Retail employees by occupation
The majority of retail employees in the North East are Sales and Customer Service Occupations
(54%) and Managers and Officials (17%). Higher levels of Customer Service Occupations are in
evidence in the North East in comparison to the English average of 49%.
25
Occupational group
Sales and customer service occupations
Managers and senior officials
Elementary occupations
Administrative and secretarial
Skilled trades occupations
Associate professional and technical
Process plant and machine operatives
Professional occupations
Personal service occupations
Total
North East
64,400
20,300
13,000
9,100
4,000
3,900
2,900
2,000
…
119,700
%
54
17
11
8
3
3
2
2
0
100
England
1,184,300
452,300
311,100
149,800
81,000
120,300
69,800
48,000
4,500
2,421,000
%
49
19
13
6
3
5
3
2
0
100
Source: LFS (Annualised) 2007
Skills shortage
The greatest perceived skills shortage amongst retail employees in the North East is with
problem solving skills and written communication skills.
Base: 402
North East %
Eng %
Customer handling skills
46
50
Technical, practical or job-specific skills
46
47
Oral communication skills
39
45
Problem solving skills
59
35
Team working skills
34
35
Written communication skills
55
32
Management skills
51
31
Numeracy skills
49
30
Literacy skills
22
28
Office admin skills
20
16
General IT user skills
30
15
Foreign language skills
20
14
Source: NESS 2007
Go to web link for further data:
http://www.skillsmartretail.com/pdfs/london_regional_background_brief.pdf
2.13.5
Retail in the North West
Retail employment numbers
Retail in the North West employs 318,406 people which accounts for 10% of the total retail
workforce in England and 11% of the all employment in the North West.
Retail
employees
North West
England
318,406
2,391,897
% growth
5 year
trend
-8
-5
% of all
retail in
England
13
100
% of all
employment
in region
11
10
Source: ABI 2008
Retail business numbers
There are 32,814 retail business based in the North West. This equates to 14% of all English
retail businesses being based in the North West.
26
North West
England
Retail
businesses
% growth
5 year
trend
32,814
242,616
-3
0
% of all
retail
businesses
in England
14
100
% of all
businesses
in region
13
11
Source: ABI 2008
Retail business by size
86% of the North West retail businesses have less than 10 employees.
Numbers
employed
1-4
5-10
11-24
25-49
50-199
200
Total
Retail
businesses
in region
% of all
retail in
region
21,619
6,547
2,862
923
602
261
32,814
65.9
20.0
8.7
2.8
1.8
0.8
100.0
%
growth 5
year
trend
-2.0
-2.9
-10.8
-9.7
-12.5
+12.0
-3.4
No. of retail
businesses
in England
% of all
in
England
161,324
45,973
21,155
7,475
4,863
1,826
242,616
66
19
9
3
2
1
100
Source: ABI 2008
Gender breakdown
62% of retail employees in retail in the North West are female.
Male
Female
Total
North West
121,585
196,820
318,405
%
38
62
100
England
950,469
1,441,430
2,391,897
%
40
60
100
Source: ABI 2008
Full time and part time employees
55% of employees working in retail in the North West are part time employees.
Full-time
North West
143,343
%
45
England
1,065,452
%
45
Part-time
Total
175,062
318,405
55
100
1,326,447
2,391,899
55
100
Source: ABI 2008
Retail employees by occupation
The majority of retail employees in the North West are Sales and Customer Service Occupations
(49%) and Managers and Officials (20%).
27
Occupational group
Sales and customer service occupations
Managers and senior officials
Elementary occupations
Administrative and secretarial
Associate professional and technical
Skilled trades occupations
Professional occupations
Process plant and machine operatives
Personal service occupations
Total
North West
164,800
67,000
44,200
20,800
13,000
12,700
8,100
7,700
600
338,700
%
49
20
13
6
4
4
2
2
0
100
England
1,184,300
452,300
311,100
149,800
120,300
81,000
48,000
69,800
4,500
2,421,000
%
49
19
13
6
5
3
2
3
0
100
Source: LFS (Annualised) 2007
Skills shortage
The greatest perceived skills shortage amongst retail employees in the North West is with
technical, practical or job related specific skills and oral communication skills.
Base: 402
North West %
Eng %
Customer handling skills
65
50
Technical, practical or job-specific skills
74
47
Oral communication skills
73
45
Problem solving skills
56
35
Team working skills
66
35
Written communication skills
48
32
Management skills
46
31
Numeracy skills
63
30
Literacy skills
50
28
Office admin skills
38
16
General IT user skills
12
15
Foreign language skills
27
14
Source: NESS 2007
Go to web link for further data: http://www.skillsmartretail.com/pdfs/north_west.pdf
2.13.6
Retail in the South East
Retail employment numbers
Retail in the South East employs 398,069 people which accounts for 16% of the total retail
workforce in England and 11% of the all employment in the South East.
Retail
employees
South East
England
398,069
2,391,897
% growth
5 year
trend
-8
-5
% of all
retail in
England
17
100
% of all
employment
in region
11
10
Source: ABI 2008
28
Retail business numbers
There are 38,926 retail business based in the South East. This equates to 16% of all English
retail businesses being based in the South East.
Retail
businesses
% growth
5 year
trend
38,926
242,616
+2
0
South East
England
% of all
retail
businesses
in England
16
100
% of all
businesses
in region
10
11
Source: ABI 2008
Retail business by size
84% of the South East retail businesses have less than 10 employees.
Numbers
employed
1-4
5-10
11-24
25-49
50-199
200
Total
Retail
businesses in
region
% of all
retail in
region
25,245
7,541
3,713
1,268
855
304
38,926
64.9
19.4
9.5
3.3
2.2
0.8
100.0
%
growth 5
year
trend
3.4
6.6
-9.6
3.8
-7.5
-7.0
2.3
No. of retail
businesses in
England
% of all
in
England
161,324
45,973
21,155
7,475
4,863
1,826
242,616
66
19
9
3
2
1
100
Source: ABI 2008
Gender breakdown
59% of retail employees in retail in the South East are female.
Male
Female
Total
South East
164,242
233,827
398,069
%
41
59
100
England
950,469
1441430
2,391,897
%
40
60
100
Source: ABI 2008
Full time and part time employees
56% of employees working in retail in the South East are part time employees.
Full-time
South East
176,462
%
44
England
1,065,452
%
45
Part-time
Total
221,607
398,069
56
100
1,326,447
2,391,899
55
100
Source: ABI 2008
Retail employees by occupation
The majority of retail employees in the South East are Sales and Customer Service Occupations
(48%) and Managers and Officials (18%).
29
Occupational group
Sales and customer service occupations
Managers and senior officials
Elementary occupations
Administrative and secretarial
Associate professional and technical
Skilled trades occupations
Professional occupations
Process plant and machine operatives
Personal service occupations
Total
South
East
198,700
73,400
54,400
27,000
23,300
14,700
9,800
8,000
700
409,700
%
England
%
48
18
13
7
6
4
2
2
…
100
1,184,300
452,300
311,100
149,800
120,300
81,000
48,000
69,800
4,500
2,421,000
49
19
13
6
5
3
2
3
0
100
Source: LFS (Annualised) 2007
Skills shortage
The greatest perceived skills shortage amongst retail employees in the South East is with
customer handling skills, team working skills and numeracy skills.
Base: 402
South East %
Eng %
Customer handling skills
38
50
Technical, practical or job-specific skills
26
47
Oral communication skills
26
45
Problem solving skills
26
35
Team working skills
33
35
Written communication skills
13
32
Management skills
18
31
Numeracy skills
32
30
Literacy skills
24
28
6
16
11
15
3
14
Office admin skills
General IT user skills
Foreign language skills
Source: NESS 2007
Go to web link for further data:
http://www.skillsmartretail.com/pdfs/south_east_regional_background_brief.pdf
2.13.7
Retail in the South West
Retail employment numbers
Retail in the South West employs 254,668 people which accounts for 11% of the total retail
workforce in England and 11% of the all employment in the South West.
Retail
employees
South West
England
254,668
2,391,897
% growth
5 year
trend
-8
-5
% of all
retail in
England
11
100
% of all
employment
in region
11
10
Source: ABI 2008
Retail business numbers
There are 26,398 retail business based in the South West. This equates to 11% of all English
retail businesses being based in the South West.
30
South West
England
Retail
businesses
% growth
5 year
trend
26,398
242,616
+1
0
% of all
retail
businesses
in England
11
100
% of all
businesses
in region
12
11
Source: ABI 2008
Retail business by size
85% of the South West retail businesses have less than 10 employees.
Numbers
employed
1-4
5-10
11-24
25-49
50-199
200+
Total
Retail
businesses in
region
17,082
5,426
2,362
827
507
194
% of all
retail in
region
64.7
20.6
8.9
3.1
1.9
0.7
% growth
5 year
trend
+3.6
+1.7
-7.8
-1.0
-17.2
+2.6
No. of retail
businesses
in England
161,324
45,973
21,155
7,475
4,863
1,826
% of all
in
England
66
19
9
3
2
1
26,398
100.0
+1.4
242,616
100
Source: ABI 2008
Gender breakdown
62% of retail employees in retail in the South West are female.
Male
Female
Total
South West
%
England
%
97,786
156,882
254,668
38
62
100
950,469
1441430
2,391,897
40
60
100
Source: ABI 2008
Full time and part time employees
55% of employees working in retail in the South West are part time employees.
Full-Time
Part-Time
Total
South West
107,744
146,924
%
42
58
England
1,065,452
1,326,447
%
45
55
254,668
100
2,391,899
100
Source: ABI 2008
Retail employees by occupation
The majority of retail employees in the South West are Sales and Customer Service Occupations
(51%) and Managers and Officials (19%).
31
Occupational group
Sales and customer service occupations
Managers and senior officials
Elementary occupations
Administrative and secretarial
Skilled trades occupations
Associate professional and technical
Process plant and machine operatives
Professional occupations
Personal service occupations
Total
South West
132,600
50,700
31,500
17,000
10,700
9,900
5,700
3,700
300
262,000
%
51
19
12
6
4
4
2
1
0
100
England
1,184,300
452,300
311,100
149,800
81,000
120,300
69,800
48,000
4,500
2,421,000
%
49
19
13
6
3
5
3
2
0
100
Source: LFS (Annualised) 2007
Skills shortage
The greatest perceived skills shortage amongst retail employees in the South West is with
customer handling skills and oral communication skills
Base: 402
South West %
Eng %
Customer handling skills
37
50
Technical, practical or job-specific skills
33
47
Oral communication skills
34
45
Problem solving skills
27
35
Team working skills
19
35
Written communication skills
15
32
Management skills
23
31
Numeracy skills
19
30
Literacy skills
23
28
Office admin skills
14
16
General IT user skills
12
15
4
14
Foreign language skills
Source: NESS 2007
Go to web link for further data:
http://www.skillsmartretail.com/pdfs/south_west_regional_background_brief.pdf
2.13.8
Retail in the West Midlands
Retail employment numbers
Retail in the West Midlands employs 237,529 people which accounts for 10% of the total retail
workforce in England and 10% of the all employment in the West Midlands.
Retail
employees
West Midlands
England
237,529
2,391,897
% growth
5 year
trend
-2
-5
% of all
retail in
England
10
100
% of all
employment
in region
10
10
Source: ABI 2008
Retail business numbers
There are 25,352 retail business based in the West Midlands. This equates to 10% of all English
retail businesses being based in the West Midlands.
32
West Midlands
England
Retail
businesses
% growth
5 year
trend
25,352
242,616
+1
0
% of all
retail
businesses
in England
10
100
% of all
businesses
in region
12
11
Source: ABI 2008
Retail business by size
87% of the West Midlands retail businesses have less than 10 employees.
Numbers
employed
Retail
businesses in
region
% of all
retail in
region
No. of retail
businesses
in England
% of all
in
England
67.4
18.4
8.6
2.9
1.9
0.7
%
growth 5
year
trend
1.7
+3.9
-7.4
+2.5
-7.4
+6.5
1-4
5-10
11-24
25-49
50-199
200+
17,098
4,657
2,179
747
491
180
161,324
45,973
21,155
7,475
4,863
1,826
66
19
9
3
2
1
Total
25,352
100.0
+1.1
242,616
100
Source: ABI 2008
Gender breakdown
62% of retail employees in retail in the West Midlands are female.
West Midlands
%
England
%
Male
Female
90,923
146,604
38
62
950,469
1441430
40
60
Total
237,527
100
2,391,897
100
Source: ABI 2008
Full time and part time employees
57% of employees working in retail in the West Midlands are part time employees.
West Midlands
%
England
%
Full-time
102,011
43
1,046,035
44
Part-time
Total
135,516
237,527
57
100
1,348,695
2,394,730
56
100
Source: ABI 2008
Retail employees by occupation
The majority of retail employees in the West Midlands are Sales and Customer Service
Occupations (52%) and Managers and Officials (17%).
33
Occupational group
West
Midlands
120,500
39,100
32,000
12,600
11,100
8,300
6,300
2,700
900
233,400
Sales and customer service occupations
Managers and senior officials
Elementary occupations
Administrative and secretarial
Associate professional and technical
Process plant and machine operatives
Skilled trades occupations
Professional occupations
Personal service occupations
Total
%
England
%
52
17
14
5
5
4
3
1
0
100
1,184,300
452,300
311,100
149,800
120,300
69,800
81,000
48,000
4,500
2,421,000
49
19
13
6
5
3
3
2
0
100
Source: LFS (Annualised) 2007
Skills shortage
The greatest perceived skills shortage amongst retail employees in the West Midlands is with
technical, practical or job related specific skills and customer handling skills.
Base: 402
West Mid %
Eng %
Customer handling skills
26
50
Technical, practical or job-specific skills
42
47
Oral communication skills
15
45
Problem solving skills
13
35
Team working skills
6
35
Written communication skills
4
32
Management skills
14
31
Numeracy skills
21
30
Literacy skills
4
28
Office admin skills
8
16
General IT user skills
9
15
Foreign language skills
4
14
Source: NESS 2007
Go to web link for further data:
http://www.skillsmartretail.com/pdfs/west_mid_regional_background_brief.pdf
2.13.9
Retail in the Yorkshire and the Humber
Retail employment numbers
The greatest perceived skills shortage amongst retail employees in the West Midlands is with
technical, practical or job related specific skills and customer handling skills.
Yorkshire and
Humberside
England
Retail
employees
% growth
5 year
trend
% of all
retail in
England
% of all
employment
in region
236,430
-7
10
11
2,391,897
-5
100
10
Source: ABI 2008
Retail business numbers
There are 24,251 retail business based in Yorkshire and the Humber. This equates to 10% of all
English retail businesses being based in Yorkshire and the Humber.
34
Retail
businesses
% growth
5 year
trend
24,251
242,616
Yorkshire and
Humberside
England
% of all
businesses
in region
-3
% of all
retail
businesses
in England
10
0
100
11
13
Source: ABI 2008
Retail business by size
86% of Yorkshire and the Humber retail businesses have less than 10 employees.
Numbers
employed
1-4
5-10
11-24
25-49
50-199
200
Total
Retail
businesses in
region
16,088
4,812
1,993
745
439
174
% of all
retail in
region
66.3
19.8
8.2
3.1
1.8
0.7
% growth
5 year
trend
-2.4
-0.2
-13.4
+5.2
-14.9
-0.6
No. of retail
businesses
in England
161,324
45,973
21,155
7,475
4,863
1,826
% of all
in
England
66
19
9
3
2
1
24,251
100.0
-3.0
242,616
100
Source: ABI 2008
Gender breakdown
62% of retail employees in retail in Yorkshire and the Humber are female.
Male
Female
Total
Yorkshire and Humberside
88,909
147,522
236,431
%
38
62
100
England
950,469
1441430
2,391,897
%
40
60
100
Source: ABI 2008
Full time and part time employees
56% of employees working in retail in Yorkshire and the Humber are part time employees.
Full-time
Part-time
Total
Yorkshire and Humberside
%
England
%
104,300
132,131
236,431
44
56
100
1,046,035
1,348,695
2,394,730
44
56
100
Source: ABI 2008
Retail employees by occupation
The majority of retail employees in Yorkshire and the Humber are Sales and Customer Service
Occupations (51%) and Managers and Officials (17%).
35
Occupational group
Sales and customer service occupations
Managers and senior officials
Elementary occupations
Administrative and secretarial
Associate professional and technical
Skilled trades occupations
Process plant and machine operatives
Professional occupations
Personal service occupations
Total
Yorkshire and
Humberside
127,700
42,500
33,400
17,700
9,300
9,500
6,000
4,200
500
250,800
%
England
%
51
17
13
7
4
4
2
2
…
100
1,184,300
452,300
311,100
149,800
120,300
69,800
48,000
81,000
4,500
2,421,000
49
19
13
6
5
3
2
3
0
100
Source: LFS (Annualised) 2007
Skills shortage
The greatest perceived skills shortage amongst retail employees in Yorkshire and the Humber is
with customer handling skills, written communication skills and management skills
Base: 402
Yorkshire and Humberside %
Eng %
Customer handling skills
62
50
Technical, practical or job-specific skills
44
47
Oral communication skills
35
45
Problem solving skills
32
35
Team working skills
28
35
Written communication skills
50
32
Management skills
50
31
Numeracy skills
26
30
Literacy skills
47
28
6
16
24
15
8
14
Office admin skills
General IT user skills
Foreign language skills
Source: NESS 2007
Go to web link for further data:
http://www.skillsmartretail.com/pdfs/yorks_and_humb_regional_background_brief.pdf
36
2.13.10 Retail in England
The focus on England section consolidates the information detailed in each of the nine English
regions.
Retail employment numbers
Retail in England employs 2,476,556 people which accounts for 10% of the total workforce in
England.
England
Scotland
Wales
N. Ireland
UK Total
UK Total
2,476,556
142,545
246,846
83,059
2,949,006
Source: Labour Force Survey (Annualised 2007)
Retail business numbers
There are 249,195 retail business based in England.
Nation
England
Scotland
Wales
N. Ireland
UK Total
Number of establishments
249,195
24,840
14,010
9,805
297,850
%
84
8
5
3
100
Source: UK Business Activity, Size and Location (September 2008)
Retail stores by size
83% of stores in England have less than 10 employees.
Nation
England
Scotland
Wales
N. Ireland
UK Total
0-9
206,785
20,230
11,600
7,775
246,390
10-49
36,105
4,010
2,085
1,790
43,990
50-249
4,955
485
250
215
5,905
250-499
1,045
85
55
20
1,205
500+
310
30
20
5
365
Total
249,200
24,840
14,010
9,805
297,855
Source: UK Business Activity, Size and Location (September 2009)
Gender breakdown
59% of retail employees in retail in England are female.
England
Scotland
Wales
N. Ireland
UK Total
Male
1,022,664
61,419
94,101
34,435
1,212,618
%
41
43
38
41
41
Female
1,453,892
81,126
152,746
48,625
1,736,388
%
59
57
62
59
59
UK Total
2,476,556
142,545
246,846
83,059
2,949,006
Source: Labour Force Survey (Annualised 2007)
37
Full time and part time employees
49% of employees working in retail in England are part time employees.
England
Scotland
Wales
N. Ireland
UK Total
Full-time
1,256,901
119,873
69,657
46,266
1,492,696
%
51
49
49
56
51
Part-time
1,218,372
126,974
72,888
36,793
1,455,027
%
49
51
51
44
49
Total
2,476,556
246,846
142,545
83,059
2,949,006*
Source: Labour Force Survey (Annualised 2007)
*Note: the total of retail workers is 2,949,006. This variation is due to respondents failing to answer the question.
Retail employees by occupation
The majority of retail employees in England are Sales and Customer Service Occupations (49%)
and Managers and Officials (19%).
Sales and customer service occupations
Managers and senior officials
Elementary occupations
Administrative and secretarial
Associate professional and technical
Skilled trades occupations
Process plant and machine operatives
Professional occupations
Personal service occupations
Total
England
1,184,339
452,324
311,067
149,769
120,317
80,983
69,826
47,960
4,465
2,421,049
%
49
19
13
6
5
3
3
2
0
100
UK
1,428,710
528,814
364,252
177,323
137,626
100,999
87,135
56,130
4,600
2,885,587
%
50
18
13
6
5
4
3
2
0
100
Source: Labour Force Survey (Annualised 2007)
*Note: the total of retail workers is 2,949,006. This variation is due to some respondents failing to answer the question.
Skills shortage
The greatest perceived skills shortage amongst retail employees in England is with customer
handling skills, technical, practical or job-specific skills and oral communication skills.
Base: 2,169 respondents
England
Customer handling skills
54
Oral communication skills
41
Team working skills
40
Technical, practical or job-specific skills
44
Problem solving skills
39
Management skills
28
General IT user skills
21
Written communication skills
21
Office admin skills
21
Numeracy skills
17
Literacy skills
15
IT professional skills
11
Foreign language skills
8
Other
2
No particular skills difficulties
5
Don't know
2
Source: NESS 2007
Go to web link for further data: http://www.skillsmartretail.com/pdfs/england...pdf
38
2.13.11 Retail in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland’s economy has experienced considerable growth over the past decade
particularly as a result of the increased stability offered by the peace process.
The political changes that have taken place in Northern Ireland have made it more connected
with the global economy. As a result the market has become more open to overseas
businesses.
Retail employment numbers
Retail in Northern Ireland employs 83,059 people which accounts for 10% of the total workforce
in Northern Ireland.
Total
England
2,476,556
Scotland
Wales
246,846
142,545
N. Ireland
UK Total
83,059
2,949,006*
Source: Labour Force Survey (Annualised 2007)
* Note: The total number of retail employees in Northern Ireland is 82,393. This variation is due to rounding and sampling
differences.
Retail business numbers
There are 9,805 retail business based in Northern Ireland.
Nation
Number of establishments
%
249,195
24,840
14,010
9,805
297,850
84
8
5
3
100
England
Scotland
Wales
N. Ireland
UK Total
Source: UK Business Activity, Size and Location (September 2008)2
Retail business by size
79% of Northern Ireland retail businesses have less than 10 employees.
Nation
England
Scotland
Wales
N. Ireland
UK Total
0-9
206,785
20,230
11,600
7,775
246,390
10-49
36,105
4,010
2,085
1,790
43,990
50-249
4,955
485
250
215
5,905
250-499
1,045
85
55
20
1,205
500+
310
30
20
5
365
Total
249,200
24,840
14,010
9,805
297,855
Source: UK Business Activity, Size and Location (September 2008)
Gender breakdown
59% of retail employees in retail in Northern Ireland are female.
England
Scotland
Wales
N. Ireland
UK Total
Male
1,022,664
61,419
94,101
34,435
1,212,618
%
41
43
38
41
41
Female
1,453,892
81,126
152,746
48,625
1,736,388
%
59
57
62
59
59
Total
2,476,556
142,545
246,846
83,059
2,949,006
Source: Labour Force Survey (Annualised 2007)
* Note: The total number of retail employees in Northern Ireland is 82,393. This variation is due to rounding and sampling
differences.
The UK Business Activity, Size and Location survey is an integrated survey of establishments in the United Kingdom, the data
presents findings from businesses and other establishments found in most sectors of the economy.
2
39
Full time and part time employees
44% of employees working in retail in Northern Ireland are part time employees.
Full-time
%
Part-time
%
Total
England
1,256,901
51
1,218,372
49
2,476,556
Scotland
Wales
119,873
69,657
49
49
126,974
72,888
51
51
246,846
142,545
46,266
1,492,696
56
51
36,793
1,455,027
44
49
83,059
2,949,006
N. Ireland
UK Total
Source: Labour Force Survey (Annualised 2007)
* Note: The total number of retail employees in Northern Ireland is 82,393. This variation is due to rounding and sampling
differences.
Retail employees by occupation
The majority of retail employees in Northern Ireland are Sales and Customer Service
Occupations (51%) and Managers and Officials (17%).
Sales and customer service occupations
Managers and senior officials
Elementary occupations
Administrative and secretarial
Skilled trades occupations
Process plant and machine operatives
Associate professional and technical
Professional occupations
Personal service occupations
Total
N. Ireland
41,816
19,023
6,792
5,698
3,612
2,578
2,276
598
0
82,393
%
51
23
8
7
4
3
3
1
0
100
UK
1,428,710
528,814
364,252
177,323
100,999
87,135
137,626
56,130
4,600
2,885,587
%
50
18
13
6
4
3
5
2
0
100
Source: Labour Force Survey (Annualised 2007)
* Note: The total number of retail employees in Northern Ireland is 82,393. This variation is due to rounding and sampling
differences.
Skills shortage
The greatest perceived skills shortage amongst retail employees in Northern Ireland is with
customer handling skills, written communication skills and management skills
Go to web link for further data: http://www.skillsmartretail.com/pdfs/northern_ireland..pdf
40
2.13.12 Retail in Scotland
Although much of Scottish retailing is managed from Head Offices in England, it is still home to a
number of strong medium-sized firms. These tend to focus on specialist rather than generalist
retailing.
At the same time Scotland is also home to a growing farm shop and farmers’ market sector.
Smaller retailers in Scotland’s many rural areas are often dependent on the presence of tourists
who often make the difference between success and failure. In contrast there is also evidence of
a concentration of Scottish retail sales into the larger cities and shopping centres – indeed the
trade publication Retail Week reports that seven of the UK’s top 50 such centres are in Scotland.
Retail employment numbers
Retail in Scotland employs 246,846 people which accounts for 10% of the total workforce in
Scotland.
UK Total
2,476,556
246,846
142,545
83,059
2,949,006
England
Scotland
Wales
N. Ireland
UK Total
Source: Labour Force Survey (Annualised 2007)
Retail business numbers
There are 24,840 retail business based in Scotland.
Nation
Number of establishments
%
England
249,195
84
Scotland
Wales
24,840
14,010
8
5
N. Ireland
UK Total
9,805
297,850
3
100
Source: UK Business Activity, Size and Location (September 2008)
Retail business by size
81% of Scotland retail businesses have less than 10 employees.
Nation
England
Scotland
Wales
N. Ireland
UK Total
0-9
206,785
20,230
11,600
7,775
246,390
10-49
36,105
4,010
2,085
1,790
43,990
50-249
4,955
485
250
215
5,905
250-499
1,045
85
55
20
1,205
500+
310
30
20
5
365
Total
249,200
24,840
14,010
9,805
297,855
Source: UK Business Activity, Size and Location (September 2008)
Gender breakdown
62% of retail employees in retail in Scotland are female.
England
Scotland
Wales
N. Ireland
UK Total
Male
1,022,664
94,101
61,419
34,435
1,212,618
%
41
38
43
41
41
Female
1,453,892
152,746
81,126
48,625
1,736,388
%
59
62
57
59
59
UK Total
2,476,556
246,846
142,545
83,059
2,949,006
Source: Labour Force Survey (Annualised 2007)
Full time and part time employees
51% of employees working in retail in Scotland are part time employees.
41
England
Scotland
Wales
N. Ireland
UK Total
Full-time
%
Part-time
%
UK Total
1,256,901
119,873
69,657
46,266
1,492,696
51
49
49
56
51
1,218,372
126,974
72,888
36,793
1,455,027
49
51
51
44
49
2,476,556
246,846
142,545
83,059
2,949,006
Source: Labour Force Survey (Annualised 2007)
Retail employees by occupation
The majority of retail employees in Scotland are Sales and Customer Service Occupations (55%)
and Managers and Officials (14%).
Sales and customer service occupations
Managers and senior officials
Elementary occupations
Administrative and secretarial
Skilled trades occupations
Associate professional and technical
Process plant and machine operatives
Professional occupations
Personal service occupations
Total
Scotland
132,981
34,763
27,234
11,764
11,399
9,845
8,097
4,479
…
240,698
%
55
14
11
5
5
4
3
2
0
100
UK
1,428,710
528,814
364,252
177,323
137,626
100,999
87,135
56,130
4,600
2,885,587
%
50
18
13
6
5
4
3
2
0
100
Source: Labour Force Survey (Annualised 2007)
…data too small to show
Skills shortage
The greatest perceived skills shortage amongst retail employees in Scotland is with customer
handling skills, written communication skills and management skills.
Go to web link for further data: http://www.skillsmartretail.com/pdfs/scotland..pdf
42
2.13.13 Retail in Wales
Wales has a significant rural geography. The greatest breadth and depth of activity is seen in
the South East and Swansea Bay areas. Business challenges for retailers outside of urban areas
in Wales can be quite different in many respects from those in its larger towns and cities.
Some rural retailers will be providing for their local populations. Others will be seeking to
benefit from the country’s active hospitality and tourism industries. There may also be potential
for retailers in Wales to develop their offer in a way that exploits key trends in consumer
behaviour such as providing a sense of place and linking into regionally produced goods and
foods.
Retail employment numbers
Retail in Wales employs 142,545 people which accounts for 10% of the total workforce in Wales.
England
Scotland
Wales
N. Ireland
UK Total
Total
2,476,556
246,846
142,545
83,059
2,949,006
Source: Labour Force Survey (Annualised 2007)
*Note: the total of retail workers is 2,949,006. This variation is due to respondents failing to answer the question.
Retail business numbers
There are 14,010 retail business based in Wales.
Nation
Number of establishments
%
England
249,195
84
Scotland
24,840
8
Wales
14,010
5
N. Ireland
9,805
3
UK Total
297,850
100
Source: UK Business Activity, Size and Location (September 2008)
Retail business by size
83% of Wales retail businesses have less than 10 employees.
Nation
England
Scotland
Wales
N. Ireland
UK Total
0-9
206,785
20,230
11,600
7,775
246,390
10-49
36,105
4,010
2,085
1,790
43,990
50-249
4,955
485
250
215
5,905
250-499
1,045
85
55
20
1,205
500+
310
30
20
5
365
Total
249,200
24,840
14,010
9,805
297,855
Source: UK Business Activity, Size and Location (September 2008)
Gender breakdown
57% of retail employees in retail in Wales are female.
England
Scotland
Wales
N. Ireland
UK Total
Male
1,022,664
94,101
61,419
34,435
1,212,618
%
41
38
43
41
41
Female
1,453,892
152,746
81,126
48,625
1,736,388
%
59
62
57
59
59
Total
2,476,556
246,846
142,545
83,059
2,949,006
Source: Labour Force Survey (Annualised 2007)
Full time and part time employees
51% of employees working in retail in Wales are part time employees.
43
England
Scotland
Wales
N. Ireland
UK Total
Full-time
1,256,901
119,873
69,657
46,266
1,492,696
%
51
49
49
56
51
Part-time
1,218,372
126,974
72,888
36,793
1,455,027
%
49
51
51
44
49
Total
2,476,556
246,846
142,545
83,059
2,949,006
Source: Labour Force Survey (Annualised 2007)
*Note: the total of retail workers is 2,949,006. This variation is due to respondents failing to answer the question.
Retail employees by occupation
The majority of retail employees in Wales are Sales and Customer Service Occupations (49%)
and Managers and Officials (16%).
Sales and customer service occupations
Managers and senior officials
Elementary occupations
Administrative and secretarial
Process plant and machine operatives
Skilled trades occupations
Associate professional and technical
Professional occupations
Personal service occupations
Total
Wales
69,574
22,704
19,159
10,091
6,633
6,559
3,635
3,093
…
141,448*
%
49
16
14
7
5
5
3
2
0
100
UK
1,428,710
528,814
364,252
177,323
87,135
100,999
137,626
56,130
4,600
2,885,587**
%
50
18
13
6
3
4
5
2
0
100
Source: Labour Force Survey (Annualised 2007)
*Note: the total of retail workers in Wales is 142,545. This variation is due to respondents failing to answer the question.
**Note: the total of retail workers is 2,949,006. This variation is due to respondents failing to answer the question.
… data too small to show
Skills shortage
The greatest perceived skills shortage amongst retail employees in Wales is with customer
handling skills, written communication skills and management skills.
Go to web link for further data: http://www.skillsmartretail.com/pdfs/wales..pdf
or http://www.skillsmartretail.com/pdfs/cymru.pdf
44