The British Retail Consortium has urged the Government to protect flexible, entry-level retail jobs after new polling found that 80% of UK adults consider part-time work important for young people.
The Opinium research, commissioned by the BRC, included traditional Saturday jobs within its definition of part-time work. Support rose to 91% among respondents aged 55 and over.
Retail and its supply chain account for 23% of all youth employment, according to the trade body. People aged 16 to 25 hold around 780,000 retail jobs, with 55% of those employees working part-time.
The BRC said these roles allow young people to earn their first wage and gain valuable workplace experience while continuing their studies or managing other commitments.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said in the BRC announcement: “For generations, Saturday jobs have given young people their first experience of work, helping them build confidence, develop new skills and take the first step in their careers. Retail has proudly provided these opportunities for millions of people, but they are becoming harder to sustain.”
The comments come as retail employment has declined over the past decade. The sector’s total workforce has fallen by almost 400,000 over the past decade, including a decline of 66,000 in the year to the first quarter of 2026, according to previous employment data.
Over the past two years, retailers have incurred an additional £6.5 billion in employment costs following increases to the National Living Wage and higher employer National Insurance Contributions.
The BRC is concerned that guaranteed-hours provisions being developed under the Employment Rights Act could add further costs. Due to take effect in January 2027, the measures would require eligible workers on zero-hours and low-hours arrangements to receive offers reflecting their regular working patterns.
A Government analysis estimated that the measures could cost employers between £350 million and £2.9 billion annually, with a central estimate of £1.1 billion. It also identified potential economic benefits of £10 billion through improved wellbeing and productivity.
Retail staffing requirements vary throughout the year, with more hours available during trading peaks such as Christmas. The BRC argues that treating temporary increases in hours as permanent contractual commitments could prompt retailers to offer fewer flexible roles.
However, trade unions support stronger guaranteed-hours rights, arguing that unpredictable schedules leave workers without reliable incomes. Usdaw has said the legislation would protect retail employees and prevent responsible businesses from being undercut by employers using insecure working practices.
More than one million people aged 16 to 24 were not in employment, education or training between January and March 2026, up 89,000 year-on-year.
The BRC wants proportionate guaranteed-hours rules, a higher NICs threshold for entry-level hiring, retention of the separate minimum wage for 18- to 20-year-olds and recognition of seasonal retail demand.
“Together, these measures would help retailers continue creating the flexible, entry-level opportunities that give so many young people their first step into work,” it said in a statement.