Recruitment software business, Occupop has weighed in on the discussion around how the retail sector is faring in the wake of the pandemic, while it still suffers the consequences of Brexit.
Occupop has compiled a report that highlights the numerous and complex issues facing the sector, but after a wave of bad news they have also found some positives.
The report showed that while there are staff shortages across the industry, September has finally shown a turning point, with the highest number of hires so far this year.
As businesses emerge from the trauma of the pandemic, rebuilding a workforce has proven to be one of the biggest challenges, with demand for retail workers at a 23 year high, and a qualified labour pool shrinking at its fastest level in four years.
Co-Founder of Occupop, Caroline Gleeson said, “The retail sector is pivotal to any thriving economy, so some of the facts and figures from our report have raised concern. However, seeing an uptick in applications, and the fact that this seems to be gaining momentum, well this is very welcome news indeed.”
She added, “The retail staffing challenge is significant, but the changes that need to be made are surprisingly, even refreshingly clear for employers. The pandemic period has culminated in ‘The Great Reset’ of workers’ attitudes in retail. Expectations have risen and retail workers want and (are able to find), better pay, better conditions, more flexibility /or greater well-being in other sectors.”
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