Usdaw contends that retail staff need and deserve to be given a much better and fairer deal for the sector to prosper. Retail jobs must be better jobs. Therefore, Usdaw is calling for a plan for the future of retail work based on: 
 
A new economic framework to support retail growth and drive investment in good quality retail jobs, by levelling business taxation between online and in-store retailers. Along with funding for local authorities to support their high streets.
 
Better pay and secure work including a minimum wage of at least £12 per hour now, as a step towards £15; improved Statutory Sick Pay and protection of workers legislation; all to ensure that retail jobs are treated as proper jobs.
 
Retraining and upskilling for new technology and automation, along with the transition to net zero; by reinstating the Union Learning Fund, a legal right to paid time off for retraining and reform of the Apprenticeship Levy.
 
Fair treatment and equality for all retail workers. We need more robust action from both employers and government to create a respectful, inclusive work environment within which every worker can thrive.
 
Stronger protections for retail workers. Usdaw continues to provide a strong voice for retail workers, which needs to be supported with strengthened workplace rights and protections against redundancy.
 
A plan for the future of retail work: Ensuring retail jobs are better jobs full report can be downloaded at: www.usdaw.org.uk/RetailPlan2023
 
Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says: “For retail workers to prosper, not just survive, we need to make sure retail jobs are better jobs. Shopworkers need and deserve to be given a much better and fairer deal, which is at the heart of our plan launched today. It calls for the Government to recognise the vital role that the retail sector, and retail workers, play in our economy and our society.
 
“For many young workers retail is their first experience of work and for many others it offers flexible opportunities to help balance other commitments such as being a parent or carer.
 
“The retail industry directly employs three million people, with a further 1.5 million jobs reliant on the success of the industry. Yet the Government continues to treat retail jobs as an afterthought. This needs to change, we cannot continue with shop work being synonymous with low pay, insecure hours and abuse. This isn’t just bad for employees, but for the industry and wider economy as well. 
 
“Usdaw is calling for a robust plan for the future of retail work that addresses both the immediate and urgent priorities facing the industry and staff, as well as wider measures to help deliver better jobs. We need a co-ordinated and inclusive approach, so we are urging government, retailers and all key stakeholders to engage with Usdaw.
 
“Only by working together can we help to deliver the better jobs retail workers need and deserve, while securing the future viability of the industry for the benefit of customers, workers, communities and our economy.”
 
Notes for editors:
 
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union with over 350,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemical industry and other trades www.usdaw.org.uk
 
Centre for Retail Research – The Crisis in Retailing: Closures and Job Losses: https://www.retailresearch.org/retail-crisis.html
 
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion