Debenhams set to cut up to 90 more workers

Department store chain Debenhams is to swing the axe on up to 90 staff as it enters redundancy talks with hundreds of workers at its fashion and home departments.

The retailer, which is undergoing a major cost-cutting drive and in June issued its third profit warning this year as trading came in “below plan”, has put hundreds of roles into redundancy consultation. It said its efforts “to create a simplified and con- sistent structure” across its beauty and beauty services, fashion and home, and food and events units is ongoing.

In January the firm announced plans to ramp up cost savings, with another £10 million earmarked for this financial year and £20m extra annually under a reorganisation led by chief executive Sergio Bucher. The chain went on to slash 320 store management roles in February.

It also comes amid speculation that Mike Ashley is set to merge it with his newly acquired House of Fraser.