Boots to cut more than 4,000 jobs due to 'significant impact' of Covid-19

Boots, one the UK's biggest high street retailers, has said it expects to cut more than 4,000 jobs to mitigate the impact of Covid-19.
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The job cuts will affect around 7 per cent of the company's workforce and result in the closure of 48 Boots Opticians stores.

It will also affect some deputy and assistant manager, beauty adviser and customer adviser roles across its stores

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There are over 15 Boots stores across Lancashire, but the restructuring will particularly affect staff in its Nottingham support office.

Boots has said it expects to cut more than 4,000 jobs. (Credit: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)Boots has said it expects to cut more than 4,000 jobs. (Credit: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)
Boots has said it expects to cut more than 4,000 jobs. (Credit: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)

Boots said that the cuts represent an "acceleration" of its transformation plans to improve profitably across the business in a statement released today (July 9).

Sebastian James, managing director of Boots UK, said: "The proposals announced today are decisive actions to accelerate our transformation plan, allow Boots to continue its vital role as part of the UK health system, and ensure profitable long-term growth.

I am so very grateful to all our colleagues for their dedication during the last few challenging months.

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"They have stepped forward to support their communities, our customers and the NHS during this time, and I am extremely proud to be serving alongside them."

The announcement comes after retail sales tumbled by 48% over the past three months in the face of the pandemic, despite Boots keeping swathes of its stores open to customers.

Meanwhile, its opticians business saw sales dive by 72% compared to the same quarter last year as people stayed at home.

"In doing this, we are building a stronger and more modern Boots for our customers, patients and colleagues," Mr James added.

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"We recognise that today’s proposals will be very difficult for the remarkable people who make up the heart of our business, and we will do everything in our power to provide the fullest support during this time."

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