UK retailers could cut 900,000 jobs over decade

London - The decline would amount to about a third of the industry's current employment level and extend a drop that began in 2008 when 3.2 million retail jobs existed, the British Retail Consortium said in a report.

 UK retailers may slash as many as 900,000 jobs over the next decade amid technological advances and the increased minimum wage, their trade body said on Monday.
The decline would amount to about a third of the industry's current employment level and extend a drop that began in 2008 when 3.2 million retail jobs existed, the British Retail Consortium said in a report. Cost pressures have risen at the same time that consumer spending has slowed. J Sainsbury has been cutting about 800 jobs as Britain's main supermarkets ward off competition from discounters. - Bloomberg
Higher labour costs and more expensive leases will lead companies to expand in digital retailing, the report said.