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River Island

River Island is a fashion retailer. They sell trend-driven fashion for women, men and children.

riverisland.com

Breakroom Rating

5.6

Rating based on 330 employees who took the Breakroom Quiz

About River Island, in their own words:

This is life on the Island.

Family owned from day one, we’ve been part of the UK high street for over 70 years. Today, we’re still guided by shared values and a clear focus on our customers.

We’re thriving. We have strong foundations. And we’re changing like never before – exploring new ways to connect with new customers in person and online. And we’re thinking differently about everything from products and stores to wellbeing and sustainability.

The result is innovative work you’ll enjoy, in an energising culture you’ll love, for a brand you’ll be proud to belong to. This is you at your very best, helping us be at ours. This is a career that’ll stretch as far as you want it to.

This is life on the Island.

Read more

The best things about working at River Island

  • 89% of students say it’s good
  • 88% say they get proper breaks
  • 74% say they enjoy their job

Featured by River Island, based on 330 employees who took the Breakroom Quiz

What River Island say

Perks of working at River Island from River Island

  • 💸 40% staff discount
  • 🛍️ Thousands of discounts with well-known retailers such as Apple, Sky, Sainsbury’s and loads more
  • 👕 Uniform allowance (dependant on your weekly contracted hours)
  • ☕️ Kindness Cupboards - Fully stocked staff room with breakfast, lunch & hygiene items.
  • 🛟 Wellbeing - Access to the Retail Trust, Mental Health Allies and our internal community groups.

Company values from River Island

Love what we do

Which means you'll:

Join a brand and a business you can believe in. Feel proud to share its story. And love being able to play a part in what’s next.

Share our connection to our customers and keep them at the heart of everything you do here.

Be energised by the pace we work at, the people you work with, the culture you’re part of and the things you make.

Inspired to Innovate

Which means you'll:

Be proud that you’re part of change that’s opening up possibilities and unlocking the potential of the Island like never before.

Unleash your inner entrepreneur. We can’t get enough of ideas, so share yours and welcome them from other Islanders.

Be free and trusted to create, whether it’s for customers, the brand or the Islanders around you.

Firm Beliefs

Which means you'll:

Feel looked after. We know what matters and we take care of each other.

Live and share the family’s values – doing the right thing for our customers, the Island and everyone on it.

Share our commitment to sustainability and our determination to do even more.

Every Islander Counts

Which means you'll:

Join a diverse community culture, where Islanders belong and feel part of something bigger.

Never face a challenge alone. We help and support each other – pitching in pulling together and sharing in every success.

Get the support and freedom to be your most brilliant self and do your most brilliant work, wherever and however you do it.

Read more

Diversity and inclusion statement from River Island

Our Island is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.

A smiling person wearing a blue cardigan and a black and white shirt with a red lanyard around their neck. They are standing by a table arranging a pair of shoes for a display in a retail store.
A smiling person looking directly at the camera. They are wearing a grey, casual jacket and a red lanyard. They are standing my a clothes rail arranging shirts.
A person wearing a red lanyard standing at a payment till in a River Island store.

What River Island employees say

330 River Island employees have taken the Breakroom Quiz and told us what it’s really like to work there. Here’s everything they have told us:

Breakroom Rating for River Island

5.6

River Island

Based on 330 employees from River Island who took the Breakroom Quiz

5.9

Fashion retailers average

Based on 15,983 employees from fashion retailers who took the Breakroom Quiz

Pay

    Okay
  • Only some people are paid a living wage

    Do River Island pay a living wage?

    Some people are not paid a living wage.

    How we know this

    63% of people say they are paid below the Real Living Wage for where they live.

    Based on data from 88 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should be paid enough to live on.

    The Real Living Wage is a voluntary rate employers can sign up to that is based on the real cost of living.

    The current rates are £12.00 per hour, and £13.15 per hour in London.

    Find out more in our explainer about the Real Living Wage.

  • Okay
  • Only some people are paid market rates

    Do River Island pay market rates?

    Only some people are paid above average for their job.

    How we know this

    62% of people are paid below average for the type of work they do.

    Based on data from 87 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2024.

    Why this matters

    Pay can vary a lot between types of job. Employers should be ensuring that the rates their staff are paid are in line with similar roles elsewhere.

  • Needs improving
  • Under 21s get paid less than everyone else

    Do River Island pay the same regardless of age?

    No, people under the age of 21 get paid less than those above 21.

    See what River Island pays different age groups

    How we know this

    The average pay of under 21s is less than those who are over 21.

    Based on data from 172 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2022 and March 2024.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people don’t get paid breaks

    Do workers at River Island get paid breaks?

    No. Most people don’t get paid breaks.

    How we know this

    99% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.

    Based on data from 78 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should have paid breaks.

    You should be paid for all your time at work, whether you’re on a break or not.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people don’t get sick pay

    Do River Island pay sick pay?

    No. Most people don’t get proper sick pay.

    How we know this

    77% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.

    Based on data from 81 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off without worrying.

    At a good job you should still get paid if you’re scheduled to work but can’t due to sickness. Your contract should say how many sick days you can take each year.

    This is more than the legal minimum, which says you should only get paid if you are unwell for 4 full days. See Citizens Advice for more details.

  • Good
  • Most people don’t do unpaid extra work

    Do workers at River Island do extra work that they don't get paid for?

    Rarely. Most people don’t do unpaid extra work.

    How we know this

    72% of people report that they don’t do extra unpaid work.

    Based on data from 79 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should get paid for any extra work they do, even if it is outside your contracted hours. At a good job, you should be paid for all the time you spend at work.

Hours and flexibility

    Needs improving
  • Less than 4 weeks notice of shifts

    How much notice do people get of their shift pattern at River Island?

    Most people don’t get 4 weeks notice of when they’re working.

    How we know this

    • 49% of people with changing schedules report getting one week notice or less.
    • 34% of people with changing schedules report getting two weeks notice.
    • 6% of people with changing schedules report getting three weeks notice.
    • 11% of people with changing schedules report getting four weeks notice or more.

    Based on data from 65 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, you get plenty of notice about when you’re working.

    This makes it easy for you to plan the rest of life, as well as your finances, because you know how much you’ll be working and when.

  • Okay
  • Some people worry about their hours

    Do workers at River Island worry about hours?

    Some people worry about getting enough hours.

    How we know this

    35% of people report they worry about getting enough hours.

    Based on data from 69 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, you shouldn’t have to worry about getting enough hours each week.

    A good job should guarantee you a minimum number of hours in a contract, if you want it.

    This makes it easier to plan your finances, because you know how much you’ll be earning.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get a choice of shifts

    Do River Island workers get to choose the shifts they work?

    Some people don’t get enough choice over which shifts they work.

    How we know this

    41% report that their manager doesn’t give them enough choice over which shifts they work.

    Based on data from 81 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job is flexible around your personal life. This means you get a say in when you prefer to work.

  • Needs improving
  • Hard to change shifts

    How easy is it for River Island workers to change shifts?

    Most people find it hard to change shifts.

    How we know this

    73% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.

    Based on data from 60 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job is flexible around your personal life. It should be easy to change a shift if you need to, whether that’s in an emergency or for planning ahead.

  • Okay
  • Can be hard to book holiday

    How easy is it to book a holiday at River Island?

    Some people find it hard to book holiday.

    How we know this

    43% of people report it’s hard to book holidays.

    Based on data from 82 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should let you take time off when you need it, and it shouldn’t be a nightmare to arrange.

  • Okay
  • Shifts can get changed at short notice

    Do River Island managers change shifts at short notice?

    Some managers change people’s shifts at short notice.

    How we know this

    49% of people say their manager changes their shifts at the last minute.

    Based on data from 82 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2024.

    Why this matters

    If your manager is often changing your shifts at short notice that’s a sign of poor planning. At a good job you won’t be messed around at the last minute.

  • Okay
  • Some people find it hard to take sick leave

    How easy is it to take sick leave at River Island?

    Some people find it hard to take sick leave.

    How we know this

    36% of people report that it’s hard to take time off if they are sick.

    Based on data from 77 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off when you need to.

    A good job should support you when you’re unwell and have systems in place that will allow you to take time off to recover when you need it.

  • Good
  • Most students say it’s good

    Is a River Island job good for students?

    Most students say this is a good place to work if you’re studying.

    How we know this

    89% of students report this is a good place to work if you’re studying.

    Based on data from 38 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should allow you to fit work around important things in your life, like studying.

    Life isn’t just about work. Good jobs make space for you to do well in both.

  • Okay
  • Only some parents say it’s good

    Is working at River Island good if you’re a parent or carer?

    Only some parents and carer say this is a good place to work.

    How we know this

    52% of people who care for a child or other relative report this isn’t a good place to work.

    Based on data from 21 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2022 and February 2024.

    Why this matters

    Whether it’s looking after children or caring for a relative, a good job should support your responsibilities outside of work.

Workplace

    Good
  • Most people feel treated with respect

    Do people at River Island feel treated with respect by their managers?

    Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.

    How we know this

    73% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.

    Based on data from 81 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should get treated with respect by their managers. You shouldn’t feel discriminated against or bullied, and if you have a problem you should be able to speak to someone about it.

  • Good
  • Most people get proper breaks

    Do people at River Island get proper breaks?

    Most people get proper breaks.

    How we know this

    88% of people report that they get to take proper breaks.

    Based on data from 74 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2024.

    Why this matters

    When you take a break it should be a proper rest. It should last the full duration and you shouldn’t get pulled off it.

  • Okay
  • Some people are stressed

    Is it stressful to work at River Island?

    Some people feel stressed here.

    How we know this

    61% of people say they often feel stressed at work.

    Based on data from 89 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2024.

    Why this matters

    Work isn’t always easy, but if you’re frequently feel stressed, that’s not good.

    Your employer should support you with enough people and resources to get your job done without feeling overwhelmed.

  • Good
  • Most people enjoy their job

    Do people at River Island enjoy their jobs?

    Most people enjoy their job.

    How we know this

    74% of people report they enjoy their job.

    Based on data from 70 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2024.

  • Okay
  • Only some people recommend their team

    Do people at River Island recommend working with their team?

    Only some people recommend working with their team.

    How we know this

    42% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.

    Based on data from 95 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job means enjoying the place where you work.

    The people you work with every day really matter. They can be the difference between a terrible day and a great one.

    If you’d recommend your team to a friend, this shows that something’s going right.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get enough training

    Do people get enough training when they start at River Island?

    Some people did’t get enough training when they started.

    How we know this

    39% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.

    Based on data from 87 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should give you good training when you start, not just drop you in at the deep end.

    This means that you’ll be happier and more productive from day one and shows that your employer values you.

    It’s also very important if your job involves anything that could be dangerous. Good training from the outset keeps you and your team safe.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get support to progress

    Are people given support to progress at River Island?

    Only some people are given support to progress here.

    How we know this

    In the last year, 50% of people report not being given an opportunity to get better at their job, learn a new skill, learn to manage a team or get more responsibility in their role.

    Based on data from 82 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should help you progress at work, if you want to. That might be supporting you to get better at the job you currently have, learn something new, manage a team or take on more responsibilities.

    This means you’ll be able to build on your skills and experience, and earn more money.

  • Needs improving
  • Head office doesn’t understand what’s happening

    Do people think River Island head office understands what's happening where they work?

    Most people think head office doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.

    How we know this

    80% of people think that this employer’s head office or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.

    Based on data from 75 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, the role of head office should be to support the people on the frontline serving customers.

    To do that properly, the company’s owners or head office need to have a good understanding of what’s really happening on the frontline. This is especially important when a company owns multiple locations.

  • Good
  • Most people feel well informed by head office

    Do workers feel well informed about how River Island is doing?

    Most people feel well informed about how the company is doing.

    How we know this

    67% of people feel that they are kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.

    Based on data from 86 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2023 and March 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, there should be a supportive relationship between the people working on the frontline serving customers and the people who own the company or work in head office.

    You should be kept informed about how the company is doing as a whole, both in good times and when things get tough for the business.

River Island job reviews

  • Best thing

    40% staff discount

    Worst thing

    Management are very competitive and often accuse each other of sabotage. There is a gossip culture and people often take bad behind people's backs, including management.
    Management take credit for my positive sales figures and I get nothing in return. I have previously been offered help to progress up the company but then people "forget" and I'm stuck in the same place everyday.
    There are favourites and there is a double standard how management treat you.
    Customers can be rude and abusive and you'll get little to no support.

    1.2

    River Island Sales advisor, March 2024

  • Best thing

    Friendly staff members who will help you out if needed, 40% staff discount which increases to 50% over the Christmas period

    Worst thing

    Managers often play favourites with staff and it’s one rule for one and another rule for someone else, very selective about when you can take holiday with certain weeks in summer and winter being ‘banned’ from taking holiday, can be hard to get cover for a shift, often underpaid and it’s made to be your job to chase up for the missing pay even though it’s the managers job to check this also takes 4 weeks to receive any missing pay, often understaffed and stressful

    6.8

    River Island Sales advisor, November 2022

More about fashion retailers

River Island ranks joint 48th to work for out of fashion retailers.

  1. 48= Schuh
    5.6
  2. 48= River Island
    5.6
  3. 48= Next
    5.6

Rankings are based on Breakroom Ratings for employers with 30 or more Breakroom Quiz responses, accurate as of 29 March 2024.

A smiling person wearing a blue cardigan and a black and white shirt with a red lanyard around their neck. They are standing by a table arranging a pair of shoes for a display in a retail store.
A smiling person looking directly at the camera. They are wearing a grey, casual jacket and a red lanyard. They are standing my a clothes rail arranging shirts.
A person wearing a red lanyard standing at a payment till in a River Island store.