British retail chain Marks & Spencer recently announced plans to cut around 7,000 jobs over the next three months across stores, management and its central support centre. The decision is also a result of a rise in digital shopping during the coronavirus lockdown. The company is already sacking 950 management and head office positions as the pandemic accelerates an ongoing shake-up.
The announcement was made in July as it warned it was preparing for the "aftershock" of coronavirus, which has "changed shopping habits forever".Marks & Spencer has announced plans to cut around 7,000 jobs over the next three months across stores, management and its central support centre. The decision is also a result of a rise in digital shopping during the coronavirus lockdown. The company is already sacking 950 management and head office positions as the pandemic accelerates an ongoing shake-up.#
The transformation plan, called Never the Same Again, is being stepped up after the disruption of lockdown when the M&S food arm stayed open but its clothing arm was hit hard.
During lockdown, the company said it has learnt to work more flexibly, using the same staff to man both the food aisles and the clothing section of the stores.
"We expect a significant proportion will be through voluntary departures and early retirement. In line with our longstanding value of treating our people well, we will now begin an extensive programme of communication with colleagues," M&S said.
It also expects to create 'a number' of new jobs as M&S invests in its online capacity.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)