Debenhams announces 2,500 job cuts

The retailer operates a distribution hub on Flaxley Road in Kingston Park, Peterborough.

The department store business said it is scrapping the roles of sales manager, visual merchandise manager and selling support manager as part of a management restructuring process.

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

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

A Debenhams 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.”

The Peterborough Telegraph has contacted Debenhams to ask for details on any impact on the Peterborough distribution centre.

An employee said today that workers in some roles were still being hired in Peterborough and that there was a number due to start this week.