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M&S are accelerating their management transformation plan, in which 950 jobs will be cut, after it was disrupted by the coronavirus lockdown, the firm has said.

The retailer has confirmed that a consultation period with employee representatives has begun, with voluntary redundancy packages being offered to affected staff first.

It is understood that the cuts are expected to impact roles at the company’s head office, property and store management areas.

950 jobs are under threat at high street chain Marks & Spencer. Photo: Getty Images.

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It is not yet known if any jobs in the North East will be under threat from the proposed plans.

It was revealed in May by M&S chief executive Steve Rowe that the company would be accelerating parts of its transformation plan with a programme titled “Never The Same Again”.

Now Sacha Berendji, the director of retail, operations and property at M&S, has said: “Our proposals reflect an important next step in our Never The Same Again programme to accelerate our transformation and become a stronger, leaner and more resilient business.

“Through the crisis we have seen how we can work faster and more flexibly by empowering store teams and it’s essential that we embed that way of working.

“Our priority now is to support all those affected through the consultation process and beyond.”

The announcement makes Marks & Spencer the latest high street chain to announce job cuts, with the likes of Boots, Debenhams and John Lewis also confirming losses.

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Marks & Spencer announce 950 jobs are at risk after coronavirus lockdown

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.