Selfridges to axe 450 jobs in ‘toughest year in recent history’

Department store chain Selfridges is set to axe 450 staff after saying that the coronavirus outbreak has led to “the toughest year we have experienced in our recent history”.

In a letter to staff, group managing director Anne Pitcher said it was “the toughest decision we have ever had to take”.

The retailer has four stores – one each in London and Birmingham, and two in Manchester.

However, Selfridges has not yet indicated where the job cuts will be.

Pitcher said: “How we work, shop and socialise is changing.

“Of course, our high streets were changing rapidly before COVID-19 arrived.

“As a creative business at the forefront of retail, we have a proud history of leading the way, however the speed and magnitude of what is happening right now and the impact on trading means we must make some more fundamental changes to our organisation to stay ahead and realise a more sustainable future.

“Like many others, we are feeling the effects and acknowledge that recovery will be slow, with sales this year forecast to be significantly less than they were in 2019. It will, without doubt, be the toughest year we have experienced in our recent history.”

Pitcher added that, for staff who are on furlough, it has “no bearing” on whether their roles will be impacted or not.