New data has revealed that more retail staff are considering leaving their jobs than at any time in the past two years, underlining growing concerns about the stability of the sector.
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The latest Retail People Index, compiled by the Retail Trust and AlixPartners, found that 54% of employees were a "flight risk" between April and June 2025, a 19% rise year-on-year and the highest figure recorded since the index launched. Wellbeing scores also dropped to 59, below the critical 60 threshold, while 44% of staff reported working despite feeling unwell.
Managers reported an 11% decline in happiness, marking the first time they felt less content than non-managers. Poor recognition, pay concerns, and under-resourced teams were key drivers. Relationships between managers and staff also fell to their lowest level in two years.
ONS data reinforces the trend, with 93,000 fewer retail jobs in March 2025 than a year earlier.
Retail Trust chief executive Chris Brook-Carter said financial pressures were "placing huge economic pressures on the sector," particularly on managers. AlixPartners director Laura Bond warned that without urgent cultural change, retailers risk "continued talent loss, weakened service, and operational strain."
Source: www.bigfurnituregroup.com
