Retail Jobs in Scotland

The UK’S flexible labour market has undoubtedly benefited the retail sector and therefore the number of retail jobs in Scotland, as the UK offers flexible terms and conditions of employment and benefits people that may have found it difficult to secure employment i.e. school leavers, parents with children and individuals who wish to work locally.

The retail sector is recognised for paying low wages, however based on research there is a wide range in pay levels. Over the past number of years, earnings in the retail sector have improved.

Retail Workforce in Scotland

Research shows that high proportions of the workforce are part-time (59%) and females dominate the industry (62%), much higher than other economic sectors. Only around 5% of the workforce in Scotland is self-employed within the retail sector, much lower than the national average and this per cent has declined rapidly in recent years.

Scottish Retail Sector

The retail sector is larger in Scotland, and the UK, than it is in many other European countries. It is also more productive than most other countries, based on recent research.

Prime retail space is becoming more dominant and secondary stock is becoming increasingly hard to let. The traditional high street stores are under pressure given the increasing dominance of out of town centres, large retail parks, or internet buying sites.

Over the past decade food sales have held up in the recession, however non-food has suffered. Consumers are avoiding spending where possible, and the retail sector is a casualty of this.

Retail Employment in Scotland

The retail sector contributes approximately 10% of Scotland’s employment. It has strong links with key growth sectors notably Food & Drink and Tourism, although it is not a key sector in itself. Retail is not tradeable overseas in the same way that manufacturing is.

With strong competition from internet sites such as Amazon and EBay, the retail sector is under pressure to provide efficient distribution models and at the same time meeting environmental challenges and keeping the production within the UK. The question for retail companies is do they have a ‘bricks and mortar’ selling outlet or do they opt for the ‘virtual option’ which is dominated by ecommerce and the distribution model. The overall cost for the internet option is much more attractive to an organisation, however it then struggles to differentiate the way a high-street store does in terms of location, window display, all round ambiance. It will be interesting to see what happens in Scotland’s retail sector over the next 5 years.

Retail Career Skills

Skills that you will find within the retail sector include:

• Store Manager
• Deputy Manager
• Fashion Expert
• Buyer
• Store Assistant
• Merchandiser
• Demonstrator
• Cashier

Regardless which position you are looking for within the retail sector, there is support for skills and training. Speak to local organisations and employment agencies that specialise in this area. Seek advice from the professionals and act upon the advice.

Scottish Jobs On The Net has good working relationships within the Retail sector and we aim to bring the best jobs advertised in Scotland to you, here on this website. Bookmark this page and visit it regularly.

Source of research: The Scottish Government Publication 2011