There is also a decrease in the number of self-employed and an increase in the number of employees with a high job turnover. In addition, 95.4% are micro-SMEs; over 69% employ only one or two people, and 84% are not open on Sundays and public holidays.
The retail sector in the Basque Autonomous Community (CAV) is ageing and is experiencing a decline in the number of self-employed workers, with a greater presence of immigrants and an increase in the number of workers with high job turnover.
Other defining characteristics indicate that the number of permanent contracts is 10 points above average; That 95.4% are micro-SMEs; More than 69% employ only one or two people84% is not open on Sundays and public holidays.
The Basque Minister of Tourism, Trade and Consumer Affairs, Javier Hurtadopresented at a press conference on Thursday the data from the Retail Barometer for 2023, drawn up by his department, and a diagnosis on employment in the sector from 2016 to 2021, carried out by the Iseak Foundation.
Hurtado stressed that trade is one of the three most important economic activities of the CAV, along with industry and health care, and represents 13% of employment (135,000 households) and 11% of GDP.
Its challenges, as he stressed, stem from a society in which five generations coexist and which is characterised by ‘a radical change in consumption and purchasing habits’.
The majority of existing companies in 2023 were newly made (42.7%, with a maximum of 5 years of experience), followed by those with a family tradition (28.4% and with a declining trend) and those from large chains (15.4%).
70.4% are open to the public during split hours, with a tendency to increase continuous opening (30%), and with a majority of women (68.8%).
Nine out of ten are open on Saturdays (57% only until 12:00) and 84% are closed on Sundays and public holidays. Only 4.5% are in favour of opening on those days.
58.7% occupy a property in rentat a high price, which averages 2,574 euros per month, and 44% identify the weight of tourism, which accounts for 6% of visits.
The employment report of the Iseak Foundation shows that between 2016 and 2021 the membership of this sector has lost 1% to social security, and also that there are more permanent contracts in this sector, partly because family members are employed, as emphasized Sarah of the Ricandirector of the above-mentioned entity.
He entrepreneurship has decreased by 7.9%, while the paid job It has grown by 2% and has a high turnover, with young people and immigrants being the main players in both entry and exit.
Source: EITB
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
