Saturday jobs remain vital route into work for young people – BRC

Research by Opinium for the British Retail Consortium (BRC) found that four in five (80%) adults believe part-time work, including Saturday jobs, is important for helping young people start their careers. 

Support was highest among people aged 55 and over, rising to 91%. 

Retail and its supply chain provide almost a quarter (23%) of all youth jobs, with around 780,000 retail roles held by 16 to 25-year-olds and more than half (55%) working part-time.

The number of retail jobs has dropped by nearly 400,000 in the past decade, cutting entry-level opportunities for young people. 

Retailers have seen £6.5bn added to employment costs in the past two years due to higher National Living Wage and employer National Insurance Contributions. 

Figures from the Government showed Guaranteed Hours proposals could cost businesses another £2.9bn. 

The BRC has urged the Government to keep reforms proportionate so retailers can keep offering flexible, entry-level jobs.

The consortium wants the Government to keep Guaranteed Hours reforms reasonable, raise the National Insurance Contributions threshold to encourage entry-level hiring, and keep a separate National Minimum Wage rate for 18 to 20-year-olds.