NXT News & Analysis
2 articles
Market Mood
Next (NXT) Sees Job Applicant Surge Amid Youth Unemployment Crisis
Lord Wolfson, CEO of Next (NXT), stated that the number of applicants per job for shop positions has risen from 10 to 19 over the past two years, indicating a crisis in youth unemployment. The unemployment rate for 16 to 24-year-olds is currently 16.2%, more than three times the overall rate of 5%. Wolfson mentioned that a ban on zero-hours contracts and rising National Insurance costs could hinder job creation. Additionally, Next has reported a £70 million annual increase in its wage bill attributed to government policies while noting a thriving online business.
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Next plc (NXT) to Hike Prices by Up to 8% Amid Conflict Costs
Next plc (NXT) announced an up to 8% price increase in select countries due to an anticipated £47 million in additional costs from disruptions related to the Iran conflict. UK sales rose 4.4%, exceeding expectations, while full-price sales increased by 6.2% in the first quarter. Despite the price hikes outside Europe, the company does not expect to raise UK prices significantly beyond the previously forecasted 0.6%. Next also raised its full-year profit forecast to £1.22 billion from £1.21 billion, projecting an overall sales growth of 5.0%. Shares in Next have declined by 5% year-to-date.
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