Full-time jobs in retail are falling but the number of stores is going up, according to new research.

According to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), the equivalent number of full-time retail jobs fell by 3.9 per cent compared with the same first quarter a year ago.

However, the number of outlets rose by 0.6 per cent compared with the same quarter a year ago, with food retailers driving the overall increase in the number of stores.

The BRC said both food and non-food retailers contributed to the decline in FTE employment, although it was food that saw the deepest falls.

BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: "Today's fall in full-time equivalent employment from our sample of retailers shows a continuation of a year-long downward trend of retailers reducing the number of hours being worked.

"We expect retailers to continue reviewing how they work with their people as they look to address the changing face of retail and keep prices low for consumers.

"Building inflationary pressures and public policy costs, alongside intense competition, are taking their toll and retail, as a people intensive industry, is being hit hard.

"That said, many retailers are actively investing in their people to improve the quality and productivity of jobs per employee.

"Looking ahead to the Brexit negotiations for the next government, certainty for the EU colleagues working in the industry and a business tax environment fit for purpose in the 21st century are what's needed for the retail industry to drive productivity with better jobs, innovation and new skills for the digital age."

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