The seismic changes on the high street have been hugely visible throughout Britain, and prompted much soul searching from businesses, communities and policy makers in local, regional and national government. But even more important than the recent loss of some household names, is what the changing way we live, work and shop means for the people who work in retail. With one-in-ten people working in retail, who is most likely to be affected by the changes we are seeing? What happens next to the faces behind the statistics? And what policies will best help people and places adapt to the transformation of our high streets? At an event at its Westminster offices, the Resolution Foundation presented findings from a new comprehensive review of the changes in retail employment. Sir Charlie Mayfield, Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership offered his take on the future of the sector, followed by Jo Miller, Chief Executive of Doncaster Council, sharing lessons from the city’s plan to tackle declining high streets. Tony Dale presented his insights as Head of Research at Usdaw, before the panel concluded with an audience Q&A. Speakers Sir Charlie Mayfield, Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership Jo Miller, Chief Executive of Doncaster Council Tony Dale, Head of Research at Usdaw Daniel Tomlinson, Research and Policy Analyst Torsten Bell, Director of the Resolution Foundation (Chair)
