THE number of retail jobs has increased as the economy begins to regain confidence, according to a report from a law firm.

Bond Dickinson, which has offices in Newcastle and Stockton, says the total number of posts lifted in the last quarter of 2013, boosted by full-time positions.

According to its report, carried out alongside the British Retail Consortium, the pace of companies taking on full-time workers rose at its fastest pace for 18 months.

It said retail employment increased by 0.1 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to a year earlier, though some firms say they will lower staff levels after bolstering numbers for the pre-Christmas rush.

The number of outlets rose by two per cent in the same period, driven entirely by food retailers.

Christina Tolvas-Vincent, Bond Dickinson's head of retail employment, said: “The fragile recovery in the wider economy is clearly at play here in the retail sector with the employment figures reflecting the cautiously optimistic Christmas most retailers experienced.

“There was a rise in the number of full time jobs and redundancies fell, which are important signs of improved confidence, especially as the retail industry often needs to remain flexible to cope with seasonal changes in demand.

“It was a Christmas of mixed fortunes, however, and for the first time since 2008, the retail employment monitor recorded a fall in the number of hours worked within the grocery sector, revealing the impact of a comparably muted Christmas for food retailers on overtime and additional staffing levels.

“The retail sector is crucial for young people, therefore it is good to see that 42 per cent of temporary contracts awarded over the festive period went to those aged under-21.

“Temporary roles are in demand in the sector because many people go from shop floor to top floor in retail, starting out in temporary or part-time positions and ending up in senior management or board level positions.”

Helen Dickinson, British Retail Consortium director general, said it was encouraging to see more people in work, especially full-time roles.

She added: “Retail offers a great career option with excellent progression and fantastic opportunities.

“Many of the temporary contracts will end up being extended into the new year as people start a new and rewarding career in the industry.

“In comparison to the same quarter in December 2012, there was a very small increase in total employment.”