It has been a year where retail and retailers have been in the national headlines. Riot-affected shops, economy-driven store closures, and reports on how to rescue the high street (‘Run town centres like businesses, says Portas’, thegrocer.co.uk, 13 December).

The stories have been around brands and business impact. But on a people level, requests coming through to The Retail Trust Helpline for counselling have increased by 125%. The level of retail staff needing debt advice has increased by 50%, and redundancy support by 40%.

It’s critical for anyone in retail who may be facing tough times to remember that this is what Retail Trust is here for - to listen, to help and to support.

If you need advice, call the Helpline on 0808 801 0808, or visit www.retail.trust.org.uk.

Nigel J L Rothband, CEO, Retail Trust

Topics