Almost 135,000 retail jobs were lost during the pandemic, research suggests.
The GMB said its analysis of official figures found that in 2019 there were an estimated 1.2 million sales and retail assistants, cashiers and checkout operators.
By 2021 that number had dropped to just under 1,075,000, said the union, which represents tens of thousands of retail workers.
GMB national officer Andy Prendergast said: “The great British high street is being allowed to wither and die.
“These are vital businesses that drive our economy and help our communities thrive.
“GMB calls on councils and landlords to review commercial leases and offer lower rents – our business rates system is archaic and no longer fit for purpose.
“Empty high streets and shopping centres that look like ghost towns are no good for anyone.”
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