Debenhams to cut 2,500 more jobs amid pandemic - BBC News
This is on top of the 4,000 announced since May, meaning the retailer will have cut a third of its staff.
Struggling department store group Debenhams says it will cut 2,500 more jobs as it struggles to survive the coronavirus pandemic.

This is on top of the 4,000 announced since May, meaning the retailer will have cut a third of its workforce.

The cuts will be mainly across its UK stores and distribution centre, but it said no new shops were slated to shut.

Shop workers' union Usdaw reacted angrily to the news, saying legal procedures had not been followed.

By law, mass redundancies have to be subject to a consultation period. Usdaw said it was preparing a legal challenge on behalf of members affected.

"We have been contacted by members who say they are being made redundant by conference call, with no meaningful consultation or proper notice period, as required by law," said union national officer Dave Gill.

"That is an appalling way to treat staff."

Debenhams, which is currently in administration, declined to comment but its administrators, FRP, said consultation had not been possible as the retailer was insolvent and had "limited" options.

A spokesman said: "Those affected by redundancy will take no particular comfort from this, but the steps taken are in response to an unpredictable and challenging trading environment and aim to ensure the future viability of the business, while also meeting wider statutory obligations."

In April, Debenhams fell into administration for the second time in a year as coronavirus heaped pressure on the business.

The firm said the current trading environment for retailers was still "a long way from returning to normal".

How have you been affected by job losses at Debenhams? Tell us about your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Earlier this year, it said 20 of its stores would remain permanently closed because of the impact of the pandemic.

Debenhams said on Tuesday: "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.

"We have to ensure our store costs are aligned with realistic expectations," it added.

The chain said that people affected had been informed and thanked them for their "service and commitment".

"We have successfully reopened 124 stores post-lockdown, and these are currently trading ahead of management expectations," it said.

Debenhams could remain in administration for the rest of this year, as lenders wait to see how it performs post-lockdown and in the crucial Christmas trading period.

Like many of its competitors, the retailer was already ailing before the pandemic forced it to suspend trading at its department stores.

The news of the latest job cuts came after the British Retail Consortium said the number of visits to High Streets was still down significantly as people shopped online instead.

The BRC said some retailers were continuing to struggle because of the coronavirus crisis. It made a fresh call for government help with rents.

Other High Street names have also announced job losses as they fight to stay afloat.

Last week, WH Smith said it was cutting 1,500 jobs - 11% of its workforce - after the lockdown caused sales to plummet.

DW Sports, John Lewis, Marks and Spencer, Boots and Selfridges are among other big names to announce redundancies.

It's less than two weeks into August and at least another 10,000 jobs have been lost as the furlough scheme starts to wind down.

Here, courtesy of the Press Association news agency, is a list of some major employers that have announced that jobs will go, or are at risk, since the start of the pandemic.

July 17: Azzurri Group (owns Zizzi and Ask Italian) - up to 1,200

July 14: DFS - up to 200 at risk

May 28: Debenhams (in second announcement) - "hundreds" of jobs