WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PLAN
In Spring 2004 the Retail Skills Network conducted a survey of 1,000 retail businesses in the West of England. Retailers were asked to:
- identify skills shortages affecting their business
- suggest ways of dealing with these problems
- consider how the Retail Skills Network could help
The conclusions of this research have shaped this, the sub region's first Workforce Development Plan for the retail sector.
Key Findings
58,000 people are employed in the retail sector. Retail developments in the pipeline will create a further 4,000 jobs over the next 4 years. Click here to see the latest developments for Bristol Broadmead.Faced with a reducing labour pool, filling these vacancies will present many challenges.
Retailers also feel that existing skills gaps within the workforce are affecting business performance.
The survey concluded that:
Retailers want 'bite size' training modules mainly delivered within the workplace.Training needs to be tailored to meet specific local needs.
National stores welcome support and guidance from a variety of national, regional and local sources.
Independent retailers preferred to develop their skills through peer group networking and mentoring.
Independent retailers have a wider variety of skills needs than their national counterparts.
For a full copy of the development plan - please click on the link below. (You may need to save the document first before you open it). Click here to request a hard copy.
