"Developments in technology, changes in customer spending and rapidly rising costs have all contributed to the very difficult trading environment."

“We’ve seen a huge failure by Government to form any clear or coherent strategy to help the retail sector and a failure to address the worries and concerns of retail workers, our members, who are living under a constant cloud of uncertainty and insecurity.

“The retail sector employs nearly 3 million people, contributes 11% to the UK economy and is the largest private sector employer in the UK. Retail offers real jobs to hard-working people and provides flexibility for workers balancing other commitments. 

“Retail jobs lie at the heart of our communities and town centres. In some areas, retailers are the major employer and we see a huge local impact when store closures or redundancies take place. 

“It is clear that the current economic framework – from taxation to commercial rents to business rates – is not working for the retail sector. This is why Usdaw is calling for a proper industrial strategy for retail, developed in partnership with business, government and unions. A robust strategy that provides a level playing field between online and bricks-and-mortar retailers.

“It is clear that significant challenges lie ahead for the retail sector. To put it bluntly Government and retailers are faced with a stark decision on the future of retail: Short term measures that focus on cuts, low pay and insecure work; or a long term strategy. A strategy that makes practical changes and provides economic reforms, offers decent pay and secure work and changes attitudes towards retail work, giving retail workers the respect and acknowledgement they deserve."

Notes for editors:

Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest and the fastest growing trade union with over 430,000 members. Membership has increased by more than 28% over the decade. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.

For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion