More than 420,000 traditional retail jobs have been lost since 2010, new analysis reveals.
Analysis by the GMB union shows that 420,242 traditional retail jobs have gone – a decline of 28.4% – since the Conservatives took power.
The figures have emerged as the last Wilko stores close their doors for the final time. The chain’s collaspse has cost 12,500 workers their jobs.
GMB will tell the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool today (9 October) that more retail jobs will be lost unless economic reforms are made.
Delegates at the conference are due to debate a GMB motion that calls for the UK’s ‘archaic’ system of business rates to be replaced, alongside better protections for workers who are made redundant.
The union also wants tougher sentences when retail workers experience violence and other abuse.
Andy Prendergast, GMB National Secretary, said: “High street retail is at the heart of our communities, but customers and workers are denied a fair deal.
“These shocking figures are a wakeup call that Wilko was not the first, and it will not be the last.
“Better support for communities and workers who face redundancy is urgently needed.”
