Amanda Martin, MP for Portsmouth North, has paid tribute to the thousands of retail workers serving communities across Portsmouth ahead of National Retail Workers’ Day on Saturday 4 July.
Retail workers play a vital role in keeping high streets, supermarkets and local shops running, providing an essential service to residents every day. Across the UK, the retail sector employs around 2.8 million people, making it the country’s largest private sector employer.
Amanda is using National Retail Workers’ Day to recognise the dedication of retail staff, many of whom work evenings, weekends and bank holidays to support customers and local communities.
Amanda Martin MP said: “Retail workers are the backbone of our high streets and communities. Whether it’s helping customers, supporting vulnerable residents, or simply providing a friendly face at the checkout, they work incredibly hard every single day.
“Too often, the contribution of retail workers is taken for granted. National Retail Workers’ Day is an important opportunity to say thank you to everyone working in our shops across Portsmouth for the dedication, professionalism and care they show day in, day out.
“As Portsmouth continues to support its local businesses and high streets, it’s only right that we also recognise the people whose hard work keeps them going.”
Joanne Thomas, Usdaw General Secretary, said: “On Saturday, we are celebrating the role of retail workers, who undertake an essential role in our communities and our economy. I want to thank retail workers for the incredible role they do, and invite the public to join with us on National Retail Workers’ Day. It is only right that retail workers are a part of this positive event and enjoy good relations with the communities they serve. Retail work is 24/7, mentally and physically demanding, multi-skilled, high pressure, profit driven and target led. Retail workers have to be adaptable and dynamic, responding to rapid changes in a fast-moving consumer-driven industry. They deserve our respect and appreciation.”
National Retail Workers’ Day brings together retailers, trade unions and the public to celebrate the invaluable contribution retail workers make to communities and the economy, while recognising the skills, dedication and resilience they show every day.
