Recession fears fail to dampen retail career prospects

Research commissioned by Skillsmart Retail, has revealed that more than half of careers advisors throughout the UK see retail as an increasingly good sector for young people to work in.

The report titled Quantifying Perceptions of a Career in Retail and produced by BMG Research on behalf of Skillsmart Retail revealed that despite the impending recession, 51 per cent of careers advisors considered retail to be a better place for young people to work in than five years ago, when the economy was booming.

Only 11 per cent of the 406 professionals surveyed thought that retail had become a worse career prospect, while a quarter identified no change between 2003 and 2008.

When asked to explain the reasons why the sector had improved, the three main factors were the increase in opportunity and career structure, wider availability of training and qualifications, and better pay – linked to the introduction of the minimum wage.

The annual report is the fifth commissioned by Skillsmart Retail, which asks careers 'influencers' to give their perceptions of the sector as a whole.

Despite the positive nature of the report as a whole, the careers advisors said that employers could do more to improve the quality of their information. Just over two in five (42%) believed information was comprehensive or very comprehensive, only slightly higher than the 38 per cent who believed it was not comprehensive.

Responding to the report, Skillsmart Retail's Chief Executive, Anne Seaman said: "Careers advisors are very influential in helping young people make choices about careers in different sectors.

"Because of this, it is good to know that they believe retail is a better place to work now than in 2003 – in spite of the current financial climate.

"Hopefully this message will filter down to young people across the UK so that they want to find out more about the wide range of opportunities that exist for a successful and fulfilling career in retail.

"There are clearly challenges which the sector continues to face, including the delivery of quality information to young people who are considering entering retail. We will work with retailers to promote career pathways in retail and look positively at the year ahead."

HR strategies at The Retail Summit 2009.

How can retailers promote retail as a long term worthwhile career?
What key methods should retailers use to cost effectively attract the leaders of tomorrow?
How can you best build a differentiated employer brand that attracts and retains talented employees?
Which reward strategies actually maximise engagement and motivation at different levels of a retail business?
Which key initiatives maximise retention in a challenging economy?
Which employee engagement strategies actually ensure staff remain with your company?
Which succession planning strategies will help deliver on your corporate goals?
How should a mutichannel retailer approach learning and development?

Nicky Hill, Director of HR, Boots UK, Claire Balmforth, Group HR Director, Carpetright Plc, Andy Moat, Director of Organisation Development, B & Q plc and Sonia Sharples, Head of Human Resources, Poundland Ltd will provide tha answers at out two day retail summit. Free to attend for retailers.

If you would like a complimentary place please email janeh@theretailbulletin.com

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