Survey outlines job losses in retail sector

More than 650 jobs have been lost in retail in the last year, according to a new survey.

A survey by Retailers Against Smuggling found that 22% of those quizzed had issued redundancies.

The survey also showed 63% of retailers have reduced staff hours, up from 58% in 2010 and that 68% of owner/managers are now working longer hours, an increase of 3% on 2010’s figure.

The poll also found that 74% of retailers believe that black-market cigarette sales are harming the retail sector.