MP slams ‘devastating’ Boots job cuts

A Notingham MP has urged Boots to reconsider its plans to make 500 people redundant.

As TheBusinessDesk.com reported yesterday, Boots is to ask 500 of its staff to take voluntary redundancy as part of a cost-cutting exercise.

Nottingham North MP Graham Allen says the move will have “devastating” consequences for the local community.

He said: “I am very disappointed with the loss of so many jobs and many local people will feel betrayed as they were assured that not a single one would be lost.”

Graham Allen MP

He added: “I fear this will have a detrimental impact on local communities such as my own from where Boots draw their labour force. I am also concerned that if they don’t get 500 volunteers, how will Boots make up the shortfall?

“This is ordinary people’s lives we are talking about. Boots are a vital part in Nottingham’s economy and I am pleased that they are committed to staying in the city. However, I hope that Boots will reconsider their decision, as it will have a negative impact on communities, including Nottingham North.”

Around 8,000 people are based at Boots in Beeston, on the site of an Enterprise Zone.

A spokesperson for the company said: “We are committed to supporting our colleagues through this process and remain fully committed to Nottingham as one of the largest employers in the area. We will continue to invest in the city for example, through the Nottingham Enterprise Zone and also our business incubator, MediCity which is based on our site.”