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Retail sector 'deserves support' as it can increase graduate opportunities

Published: Tuesday, 22 February 2011   Category: Retail

The next Budget should not impose extra costs on the retail sector, because it may be the key to helping employment levels, says a body which represents the industry.

According to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), the chancellor of the exchequer should support the sector because the current unemployment levels can be remedied.

Last week, the Office of National Statistics revealed that the number of people who are not employed went up. However, the BRC's jobs monitor showed that the number of retail jobs was up, compared to last year.

Tom Ironside, the director of business and regulation for the British Retail Consortium, said that the retail sector can increase graduate opportunities and roles for other young people.

"A third of retail staff are under 25. The sector is providing work for some of the young people facing the biggest challenges in the current climate," he said.

"Retailers offer opportunities ranging from accountancy to management. They are committed to investing in the skills of their workforce."

If such moves are followed, it is likely that the outcome will be a rise in graduate vacancies at retail companies.

Find graduate vacancies at gradplus.com