Debenhams is cutting 2,500 more jobs - these are the roles that will be affected

More jobs cuts have been confirmed by the group (Photo: Shutterstock)More jobs cuts have been confirmed by the group (Photo: Shutterstock)
More jobs cuts have been confirmed by the group (Photo: Shutterstock)

In another blow to UK high streets, department store group Debenhams has revealed that it will cut 2,500 more jobs in a bid to survive the impact of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

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Other big names who have recently announced redundancies include John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Boots and WHSmith.

This is what you need to know about the job cuts at Debenhams.

Why is Debenhams cutting jobs?

The effects of the coronavirus pandemic has forced many big businesses to cut jobs and close stores in a bid to survive the financial struggles that they have been battling with.

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Debenhams has already been forced to cut hundreds of jobs, as well as closing 18 of its stores permanently since the start of the pandemic.

While the retailer has said that it has no plans to close any more stores as part of its restructure, 2,500 more jobs are now being cut.

In April, the group entered into administration, with the company saying at the time, that it would work to “re-open and trade as many stores as possible.” However, when restrictions were lifted, its 11 Irish stores (with around 1,400 staff members) were forced to close.

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What has Debenhams said?

A spokesperson for the retailer 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 grateful to them for their service and commitment to Debenhams.

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“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.”

Where are jobs being cut?

The 2,500 jobs being cut will be spread across the roles of sales managers, visual merchandise managers and selling support managers, as part of the management restructuring process.

The cuts will mainly be seen across the company’s UK stores and distribution centres.