The retailer has started consultation with staff in its property and “store design and development” departments as a result of its decision to reduce its growth plans.
At a trading update earlier this month, in which M&S said that like-for-like sales had fallen by 6.1pc, executive chairman Sir Stuart Rose said that capital expenditure will be cut from £900m this year to £700m. As a result, its store refurbishment programme will be put on hold and the number of new stores that M&S opens will be reduced.
According to people familiar with the situation, three-quarters of the roles in the store design and development team will be ditched and a large chunk of property positions will be axed. The total number of jobs affected is not known, but it is thought to be “in the significant double figures” but below 100.
An M&S spokesman said that a consultation process has started but would not comment on figures. “We are consulting with staff at the moment. We review our structures all the time to address changes in the economy. This is related to our capex programme,” the spokesman said.
It is unclear whether staff affected will be reabsorbed into other roles in the company or lose their employment altogether.
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