NEW research has revealed that 41 per cent of managing directors and senior managers in the retail sector believe high staff turnover affects productivity.

But despite this, only 34 per cent consider staff training as a very important aspect of their business, failing to see the link between staff retention, productivity and developing their employees.

The survey, commissioned by Investors in People UK, also shows that one in four retailers still only invest in short-term training for their staff.

In a sector known for high staff turnover and uncertainty in sales, taking a more long-term commitment to training could be part of the solution for improving business performance, says the organisation.

However, despite the lack of attention to staff development shown by retail organisations, the survey finds that recruitment processes remain carefully measured. Only 14 per cent of retailers claim to adopt the harsh 'slash and burn' recruitment tactics often associated with times of reduced customer spending.

"In order to combat some of the industry's problems, particularly recruitment and retention, retailers need to make a commitment to the current and future needs of their employees," said Richard Simpson, human resources lead business adviser at Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire.

"Worryingly, fewer than half of retailers recognise the importance of staff development and training, compared to 79 per cent of respondents in the hospitality sector, another customer-facing industry.

"A number of retail organisations in Berkshire and Wiltshire are currently working with the Investors in People standard to improve the way they work and to help their business succeed.

"For these retailers the standard has been key in ensuring that employees are happy, more motivated and more productive.

"This, in turn, contributes to improved quality of service, increased customer satisfaction and client retention."

About 30 employers looking to offer young people a career were at the annual job fair held at Salisbury College last week.

Among those attending were Personal Pension Management Ltd and James Hay Pension Trustees, representatives of the NHS, police, army and RAF, the White Hart Hotel and Hans Hairdressers.

All offer training programmes either in-house or at colleges and universities and all reported a great deal of interest from students and visitors.