Retail is reflecting a rise in employment, despite recent reports to the contrary, according to retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA).  

ARA executive director Richard Evans said recent commentary regarding rising SME retail unemployment was a result of inaccurate analysis of the ABS labour force figures released last week. The ARA uses seasonally adjusted labour force figures to correctly interpret retail employment levels, as advised by the ABS.  

ñThe labour force figures released last week actually confirm the retail sector has maintained employment levels over the three months leading into May with minimal movement from FebruaryÍs seasonally adjusted unemployment numbers. 

As well as this, the ARA Australian Retailers Index shows most retailers are holding onto skilled staff in preparation for rising demand with 68 percent reporting no change in employment levels in the past quarter. A further 16 percent of retailers actually increased their number of staff during the same period.