Retail hiring falls 6% as automation accelerates
UK retail vacancies hit a decade low as automation and rising employment costs reshape the sector. What does this mean for workers and the economy? Explore the data and historical parallels.
UK retail vacancies hit a decade low as automation and rising employment costs reshape the sector. What does this mean for workers and the economy? Explore the data and historical parallels.
Early data reveals a strong start to Boxing Day sales with retail park visits rising 6.9%. Analysts note a shift towards leisure-focused, full-day outings over pure bargain hunting. Discover the latest UK retail trends.
Major UK retailers are increasing investment in physical stores and shopping centres, signalling a strategic shift. Discover the data and the reasons behind this commercial property revival.
UK Boxing Day sales saw a shift in shopper habits, with high street footfall down 2.4% while retail parks surged 6.9%. Central London declined 7.7% as consumers sought convenience and coastal day trips.
A PwC report predicts AI will automate many dealmaking tasks by 2026, reshaping investment banking. Discover the roles at risk and the new skills required.
UK retail sales fell 0.1% in November as Budget uncertainty overshadowed Black Friday. Discover the key trends and what it means for the crucial Christmas period.
UK retail sales fell 0.1% in November as cautious shoppers held back, with the Black Friday boost weaker than usual. Explore the ONS data and what it means for the economy.
Plans to automate NDIS funding decisions could mirror the robodebt disaster, threatening essential support for people with complex disabilities. Learn why human oversight is vital.
US Senator Bernie Sanders issues a stark warning on AI's dangers to jobs, democracy, and the environment. He calls for immediate Congressional action to regulate the technology before it's too late.
UK food inflation eased to 3% in November, down from 3.7% in October, as Black Friday discounts hit shops. However, experts warn of persistent pressures and challenges ahead for retailers and consumers.
Early Black Friday discounts helped slow UK shop price rises to 0.6% in November, below the three-month average. Read the full analysis from the British Retail Consortium.
OBR analysis reveals over 2 million jobs in key UK sectors face AI automation. Discover the Treasury's response and the potential impact on the economy.
B&Q owner Kingfisher boosts profit outlook despite softening UK retail market. Discover how strong management drives success in challenging economic conditions.
Which? research shows 8 in 10 Black Friday deals were cheaper at other times. Don't fall for the hype - read our expert advice before you shop this November.
Marks & Spencer reveals plans for 200 new or revamped London food halls, aiming to transform its store estate by 2028. Discover the full list of locations set for expansion.
The new M&S in Clapham Common saw queues stretching down the high street. Discover why this shop launch became a community event and what it says about modern retail.
The Co-op is opening 11 new stores across the UK this week as part of a major expansion plan. Discover the full list of locations and how this boosts local communities.
New research reveals AI could displace 3m low-skilled UK workers by 2035, while boosting demand for professionals. Discover which roles are most at risk.
Co-op invests £70m to create 7,000 life-changing apprenticeships by 2030, focusing on retail, care, and deprived communities. Find out how to apply.
London's New Bond Street has claimed the top spot as the world's most expensive retail destination, with rents soaring 22% to £1,706 per square foot. Discover the details behind this luxury property surge.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves postpones scrapping controversial 'de minimis' tax break for low-cost imports until 2029, despite pressure from British retailers. The move aims to prevent border chaos while generating £500m yearly.
Major retailers including Morrisons, Poundland and Claire's announce widespread closures across Britain. Full list of affected locations and closure dates revealed.
Asos reduces pre-tax losses to £281.6m while launching AI stylists to combat 12% sales decline. Discover how the retailer is tackling serial returners and discount culture.
UK retail sales fell 1.1% in October, a disappointing start to the festive season. Shoppers turned cautious ahead of the Budget and Black Friday. Discover the full impact on the sector.
UK retail sales fell 1.1% in October as consumers delayed purchases ahead of Black Friday. Clothing stores saw the biggest decline. Discover the full impact.
Official figures reveal UK government borrowing reached £17.43bn in October, exceeding forecasts as consumer spending fell unexpectedly. Stay informed about economic developments.
Final UK economic health check before the budget reveals £15bn October borrowing, stagnant retail sales, and a slight energy price cap fall from January. Stay informed on the key data.
JD Sports warns annual profits will be at lower end of forecasts as high youth unemployment and lack of spare cash among under-25s causes a 3.3% sales slide in the UK, its worst-performing market.
Asda has secured nearly £600m through sale-and-leaseback deals for its stores, using the funds to repay looming debt to former owner Walmart. Discover the supermarket's financial strategy.
Asda plans to sell and lease back 24 stores and a distribution centre to raise £568m, a move analysts call a 'sign of weakness' as the supermarket continues to lose market share.