Low Wages Are One Factor in High Street Retail Decline

Almost 50,000 jobs have been either lost or threatened on the UK's High Streets this year, figures from the Press Association show.

High-profile failures such as Maplin and Toys R Us have ben followed by a string of closure plans from big names such as Marks and Spencer, House of Fraser, and Carpetright.

Poor sales, high business rates, and competition from online outlets are all factors for the current decline being seen on the High Street.

The Institute of Directors has previously called for business rates reform, and for relief to be extended to a greater range of businesses.  Trade Union Congress General secretary Frances O'Grady also argued that "Retail depends of customers having money in their pockets. One reason why some shops are struggling is because wage growth has been very weak."

ABC Comment: One fifth of UK retail sales are now online.