Published
Sep 28, 2017
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BRC launches gender diversity initiative

Published
Sep 28, 2017

The British Retail Consortium has partnered with flexible working specialist Timewise to roll out a flexible job design programme and help retailers unlock the potential of part-time workers, the majority of whom are women.


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The partnership aims to tackle the shortage of career progression opportunities for part-time workers, particularly women, in the retail industry. While two thirds of employees work part-time, research has revealed that flexible working is currently preventing these workers to climb the career ladder.

And 65% of part-time retail employees would want to progress into a managerial role if they could maintain a flexible or part-time working pattern, according to research from the BRC.

“Our Retail 2020 research revealed that flexibility is the second most important reason to work in retail, but in some cases this is a trade-off which may hold some people back from fulfilling their potential or optimising their pay,” said BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson.

“It is important that these part-time workers are able to progress within organisations when they choose to and we’re working in partnership with Timewise, to support retailers with the task of delivering these opportunities in flexible ways. Such collaboration is important to ensure retail remains an attractive industry to work and grow in.”

The initiative comes at a time of change for the industry, with the retail sector facing the challenge of a potential skills shortage post Brexit.

“With a post-Brexit labour market in sight, robust flexible working strategies where jobs are designed with their people in mind, is what will create a win-win situation for UK retailers – from being able to attract the best possible people, maximising the skills of their existing talent, ensuring career progression, and addressing challenges such as low productivity and gender equality,” said Emma Stewart, joint CEO of Timewise.

The programme has been piloted by Timewise over the last 18 months with John Lewis Partnership, Tesco and others. 

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