IBEC - Newsroom

Retail Ireland, the IBEC group that represents the retail sector, today welcomed the launch of the Expert Group on Future Skills Need's report on the wholesale and retail sector. The report stated that the sector will provide opportunities for people who have lost their jobs to rejoin the work force.

Retail Ireland director Torlach Denihan said: "The retail sector has taken a hammering since the onset of the recession with many retailers forced to cut costs and restructure operations. This has led to significant job losses. The latest retail figures, however, suggest that we may have reached the bottom, so it is crucial that we begin to plan again for the future.  

"As the economy recovers, employers and new entrepreneurs will identify gaps in the retail market that will lead to new job opportunities. It is vital that we take the steps now to ensure the country has the right skill set to make the most of these.

"This report provides an important catalyst for the retail sector to work together to ensure that the range of recommendations in the report are implemented."