About the Retail Jobs Alliance

The Retail Jobs Alliance (RJA) includes major retailers such as Asda, Kingfisher, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, Primark, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco

Together, our members employ nearly one million people across the UK. We are united by a shared commitment to championing the critical role that retail plays in communities, particularly as a source of jobs and essential services in areas facing the greatest economic challenges.

The RJA was formed specifically to champion a fairer business rates system that enables shops of all sizes to invest and grow.

We believe further increases to the higher business rates multiplier will undermine future retail investment and contradict the government’s own 2024 manifesto commitment to “level the playing field between high street and online retailers."

The retail sector contributes 5% of GDP to the UK economy and provides direct employment to 3 million people, with a further 2.7 million jobs supported in the supply chain.
The BRC reports that retail provides around 780,000 jobs for 16–25-year-olds, with more than half of these roles offering part-time work.
One in three retail jobs in Britain are based in premises with a rateable value of more than £500,000.
The OBR expects business-rates receipts to rise by 10% in 2026/27, from £34bn to £37bn, before reaching £42bn by 2030/31.