Half of UK Retail Workers May Leave Jobs this Winter

A new report from Retail Trust and consulting firm AlixPartners found 51% of retail workers in the UK are considering quitting their jobs in the next few months.

The report, the Retail People Index, found that there has been a 7% drop in wellbeing in the retail workforce between fall 2023 and winter 2023. Nearly half (44%) of retail workers said they would likely be working while feeling unwell. The report notes that retail workers are less likely to leave their positions in summer months – 40% considered quitting in summer 2023. 

“Retailers need to put in place the right wellbeing support in the run-up to this winter when the mental health pressures on retail staff could again be at their highest,” Chris Brook-Carter, chief executive of the Retail Trust, said. “This is particularly important for younger workers who tell us they feel less happy and safe at work and lack the tools to manage their stress and anxiety themselves.”