Despite rumours of an economic recovery many of the UK’s job hunters are still struggling to find work and unemployment is continuing to rise.
Optimistic forecasts have been quashed by reports that the growth in the UK retail market stalled in July and August of this year. September figures are yet too be released.
Some of the major high street retailers are now revealing quarterly or half yearly losses and this is bad news for those looking to gain employment in the sector. John Lewis and French Connection have recently posted losses for the first six months of 2009. French Connection has hinted at further job losses, following on from the recent head office redundancies. Around 50 jobs worldwide have been cut so far.
On the positive side, DIY giant B&Q has posted more pleasing figures, with profits up 66% over the past six months. The chain has revamped many of its stores and is seeing a rise in sales as people opt to improve and expand their homes rather than move house.
