Debenhams to cut 2,500 jobs across stores and warehouses

Debenhams is to axe 2,500 jobs across its stores and warehouses as the retailer looks to slash costs after sales were impacted by the Coronavirus lockdown.

The department store business is scrapping the roles of sales manager, visual merchandise manager and selling support manager as part of a management restructuring process.

Debenhams also revealed it has no plans to shut more stores as part of the restructure.

The retailer confirmed that furloughed employees have been informed of the decision and will leave the company by the end of this week.

The recent job slashes are part of Debenhams’ plans to organise its store floor teams and cut costs as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the business.

The move comes four months after Debenhams was placed into administration for the second time in just over a year.

Hundreds of jobs have already been lost at the retailer since the start of lockdown after it permanently shut 18 stores.

In April, it hired administrators from FRP Advisory in a protective measure against creditors demanding their money.

In May, the company revealed it would cut hundreds of jobs at its head office to help secure the company’s finances.

A Debenhams spokesman said: “We have successfully reopened 124 stores, post-lockdown, and these are currently trading ahead of management expectations."

“At the same time, the trading environment is clearly a long way from returning to normal and we have to ensure our store costs are aligned with realistic expectations."

“Those colleagues affected by redundancy have been informed and we are very grateful to them for their service and commitment to Debenhams."

“Such difficult decisions are being taken by many retailers right now, and we will continue to take all necessary steps to give Debenhams every chance of a viable future.”

Earlier this week, it was revealed that Frasers Group owner Mike Ashley is reportedly looking to acquire up to 30 Debenhams stores.