The government and the BRC this week promised to work more closely together to try to get young people into careers in the retail industry.
A formal partnership agreement was launched on Tuesday by BRC director general Helen Dickinson and employment minister Esther McVey. Dickinson said industry and government had work on its hands to change the outdated image of sector jobs, which she said were not just “on the shop floor”.
“The opportunities available are far more diverse than that,” she said. “UK retailers are using cutting-edge technology to get their products to consumers, so they need people with digital and IT skills to make that happen. There are also roles in areas such as HR, finance, logistics, design and many more.
“We need to start valuing retail jobs more. If we don’t, too many people will miss out on a rewarding career in an industry employing more people than any other here in the UK.”
Sainsbury’s, which is backing the scheme, said it would create 6,000 job opportunities this year.
The launch of the agreement took place at the Waltham Forrest Job Centre Plus Youth Hub. McVey and the BRC made a joint commitment to find all the attendees work experience in the industry in six months.
“I was struck by the enthusiasm they have for getting their foot in the door to a fulfilling career in retail and working their way up,” McVey said. “Youth unemployment is falling and there are lots of opportunities for people who want to work hard and get on.”
