Carphone Warehouse to axe 3,000 jobs as it shuts all standalone stores

Carphone Warehouse is set to axe 2,900 jobs under plans to close all 531 of its standalone stores.

Parent company Dixons Carphone said the move was caused by changes in the mobile market, rather than the coronavirus outbreak.

Around 40% of impacted colleagues were expected to take new roles in the business, the company said.

The retailer’s mobile products will now be sold through Carphone Warehouse concessions inside 305 large Currys PC World stores and online.

The standalone stores will close on 3 April.

Chief executive Alex Baldock said: “I don’t underestimate how upsetting this news will be for our colleagues, and we’ll treat everyone with honesty, respect and care.

“We’re working hard to look after those colleagues we can’t find new roles for, financially and otherwise. We’ll pay enhanced redundancy, any bonuses, honour their share awards, and help them find new jobs through an outplacement programme. We recognise our responsibilities towards our colleagues and communities, and intend to fulfil them.”

Carphone Warehouse’s 70 stores in the Republic of Ireland will not be affected, nor its operations around the world.