Women now hold 50% of UK retail board seats, up from one-third in 2021, according to a new BRC and MBS Group diversity report.
85 retailers have signed the BRC Diversity & Inclusion Charter, and the report says representation of ethnic minority leaders, disabled colleagues and less advantaged staff has improved as CEO backing grows.
Rising employment costs, slower hiring and restructurings are weakening the leadership pipeline, with some declines across executive committees and direct reports as promoted staff are not replaced.
More than 1 million young people are not in education, employment or training, and the BRC warns shrinking entry-level retail jobs could hit those facing disability, poverty, caring duties and poor mental health first.
The industry says government employment and skills reforms should lower the cost of hiring young people so retail can keep serving as a key route into work and social mobility.