Britain backs Saturday jobs as vital first step into work

Four in five Britons believe Saturday jobs provide an important pathway into work for young people, as the British Retail Consortium (BRC) calls on the Government to ensure employment reforms do not make it harder for retailers to create these opportunities.

New polling by Opinium, commissioned by the BRC, found four in five (80%) UK adults believe part-time work, including the traditional “Saturday job”, is important in helping young people into employment. Support rises to 91% among those aged 55 and over, underlining the enduring value many place on these jobs as their own first steps into the world of work.

For generations, retail has helped millions of people begin their careers, many through Saturday jobs. Today, retail and its supply chain account for almost a quarter (23%) of all youth employment. Around 780,000 retail jobs are held by 16 to 25-year-olds, with more than half (55%) working part-time, underlining the industry’s long-standing role in providing flexible, entry-level employment. Saturday jobs give young people the chance to earn their first wage, gain workplace experience and develop the confidence and skills they need for future careers alongside other commitments.

But these roles are under pressure. Retail has lost almost 400,000 jobs over the past decade, reducing the number of entry-level opportunities available to young people.

Retailers have faced an additional £6.5 billion in employment costs over the past two years following two increases to the National Living Wage and employer National Insurance Contributions. Earlier this week, the Government’s own figures revealed that its Guaranteed Hours proposals could cost businesses an additional £2.9bn. The BRC is calling on the government to ensure Guaranteed Hours reforms under the Employment Rights Act do not add to these pressures by making it harder for retailers to create flexible, entry-level roles.

Retail staffing needs naturally fluctuate throughout the year, with businesses offering more hours during busy periods and fewer when demand eases. If temporary peaks in demand become permanent contractual commitments, retailers may create fewer flexible, entry-level roles in the first place, reducing opportunities for young people looking to get some experience.

The BRC is calling on the Government to ensure Guaranteed Hours reforms remain proportionate, increase the NICs threshold to encourage entry-level hiring and retain the separate National Minimum Wage rate for 18 to 20-year-olds. Together, these measures would help retailers continue creating the flexible, entry-level opportunities that give so many young people their first step into work.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said:
“For generations, Saturday jobs have given young people their first experience of work, helping them build confidence, develop new skills and take the first step in their careers. Retail has proudly provided these opportunities for millions of people, but they are becoming harder to sustain.”

“If the Burnham government is serious about tackling youth unemployment, it must not make it harder to create entry-level jobs. After £6.5 billion in additional employment costs over the past two years, businesses need policies that encourage recruiting young people, not discourage it. That means reducing the cost of employing young people, and proportionate Guaranteed Hours reforms.”