Boots head office job losses are ‘devastating’

Around 350 jobs could be at risk at Boots after the company announced plans to restructure its head office.

Boots says it is looking to create “more agile” team at the head office in Beeston, but hopes that as many jobs as possible can be saved.

In a statement, Boots said: “Like all retailers, we are operating in a new environment in which customers need us to move faster and recognise that they want to shop differently. “Boots has a powerful brand presence, 63,000 amazing colleagues, and the trust and loyalty of the people who shop with us across all our channels.

“These things make us very strong, but not immune to change, and the change we announce today will help assure the long-term future of this remarkable 170-year-old company.

“The vast majority of head office roles will be unaffected, and we intend to make sure that the number of people concerned is minimised through redeployment, natural attrition, flexible working and other measures.

“A consultation process with affected colleagues will begin immediately.”

The move is part of Walgreens Boots Alliance’s $1bn ‘cost transformation programme’ announced on 20 December 2018.

Daniel Adams, Usdaw national officer said: “This is clearly devastating news for those affected and the Union will be doing all it can to support members during this time. We would urge the Company to engage with Usdaw as the trade union for Boots staff to ensure that all avenues to minimise the impact of these proposals are explored during this critical time.”