The UK employment in the retail sale of food, beverages, and tobacco in specialized stores sector is forecasted to decline steadily from 2024 to 2028. With the workforce standing at 98.2 thousand FTEs in 2024, the sector is expected to see slight annual decreases, reaching 95.33 thousand FTEs by 2028. This reflects a downward trend of approximately 0.71% annually. Over the five-year period, the sector will experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) indicating a gradual reduction in employment numbers.

Future trends to watch for include:

The impact of technology and automation potentially reducing demand for retail staff.
Changes in consumer preferences towards online shopping influencing store-based employment.
Economic conditions and inflation rates affecting retailer staffing needs.