9 per cent fall in retail jobs on Scotland’s high streets

Scotland recorded the second worst performance on retail jobs of the eleven nations and regions surveyed, after Wales.

David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “These disappointing, albeit hardly surprising, figures show just how challenging life is on Scotland’s high streets. We have consistently said retail is going through a period of profound change and reinvention as retailers adapt to new technology, changing consumer behaviour, squeezed household finances, and rising costs. Despite all of this we are convinced retailers will continue to have a strong physical presence on thriving and attractive high streets, but less so than is the case now.

“That said, government policy is undoubtedly ratcheting up the cost of employing people in stores and the cost of maintaining a store presence. In turn this is making digital routes to market for retailers more attractive and affordable. This is upending many retail business models, and means the industry will look very different in the future.

“With the business poundage rate at a 20-year high and with over 5,000 retail premises paying more for the large firms’ supplement than their English counterparts, firm action is needed from both government and councils to cut the cost of doing business.”