Union demands talks over plans to cut up to 300 jobs at Boots
10 PERCENT OF SUPPORT OFFICE STAFF AT BEESTON HEADQUARTERS AFFECTED
Very sad for this once proud Nottingham company and its ethics, now lost forever.
UNION bosses have demanded talks after Boots announced plans to restructure its headquarters in Beeston which could result in up to 300 job losses.
Support office roles will be affected by the move which comes after Boots officials told investors last year its sales had dipped.
A consultation on the job losses is expected to last for 45 days and the move would lead to a 10 percent drop in support office staff at the site in Thane Road.
Union Usdaw has called for talks with the health and beauty giant over the proposals.
Daniel Adams, Usdaw national officer, said: “This is clearly devastating news for those affected and comes on the back of similar announcements over the last two years.
“We will be doing all we can to support members during this time and we yet again urge the company to engage with Usdaw as the trade union for Boots staff, to ensure that employees’ voices are heard and all avenues are explored during this difficult time.”
Readers also left their thoughts via the Nottinghamshire Live Facebook page.
Helen Measures said: “With the number of jobs that have been lost over the years - my own included after 24 years service I’m surprised there’s anyone left working there. Very sad for this once proud Nottingham company and its ethics, now lost forever.”
Karen Angela Drummond said: “So sad... Especially in the current climate... Thoughts and sympathy for all those affected.”
“Sad news indeed, all those jobs that’s terrible,” added Mike Howitt.
Managing director of Boots UK, Seb James, said: “The events of the last year have changed consumer behaviours forever and we must adapt our business to meet these new needs.
“This means investing in our digital business, serving customers more efficiently and, above all, becoming much swifter and more agile.
“I am acutely aware that this structural change will be difficult for our amazing team in Nottingham and we will do everything we can to make sure that we support and help anybody who is affected.”
Experts have said the job cuts could have a “profound” and “devastating” impact on the local economy.
In July last year the company announced it would cut more than 4,000 jobs in a bid to mitigate the impact of coronavirus.
Its parent company, Walgreen Boots Alliance, has thus shifted its focus to online retail, upon a significant and “encouraging rise” in sales made on the Boots website.
No shops will be affected by the latest proposals. However, it has been reported that the Boots store in Lister Gate is to permanently close on March 31.
Helen Measures