Retail is one of the biggest industry sectors, (retail sales account for a fifth of the UK economy) employing over 3.0 million people, as at the end of March 2008 which equates to 11% of the total UK workforce. As a result the retail industry is one of the most prolific users of temporary agency workers.
In order to accommodate the seasonal peaks and troughs synonymous with this sector, retail companies utilise a vast amount of temporary agency workers, including drivers, shop-fitters, merchandisers, sales assistants, warehouse operatives and administrative staff.