Debenhams to cut 2,500 jobs as coronavirus pandemic hits sales

The announcement was made on Tuesday, August 11 – with the retailer confirming a number of roles will be scrapped

An estimated 2,500 jobs will go across Debenhams’ stores and warehouses.

Sales manager, visual merchandise manager and selling support manager roles will be scrapped as part of a management restructuring process.

The move, which was first reported by RetailWeek, comes four months after Debenhams collapsed into administration.

Its store in intu MetroCentre in Gateshead – one of the biggest in the North East – was among those staying closedafter the retailer failed to reach a rent agreement with its landlord.

The closure of the South Shields branch was confirmed in April.

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

A 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.”

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