Primark set to cut around 400 jobs in major management overhaul

Around 400 jobs are at risk as clothing retailer Primark plans to overhaul its retail management team.

The fast fashion chain, owned by Associated British Foods, said it had entered consultation with staff as it sought to simplify its management structure across its 190 UK locations.

The changes, the company said, would leave it with around 400 fewer retail managers.

Kari Rodgers, Primark retail director for the UK, said: “The changes we’re proposing will deliver a simplified and more consistent management structure across all of our stores, provide more opportunities for career progression and offer greater flexibility, all of which are designed to help us provide the best possible experience for both our customers and our colleagues.

“We are now focused on supporting our colleagues who are affected by these proposed changes and will be going through the consultation process.”

The chain recently opened its 400th store in Sicily, Italy, and is also pushing ahead with expansion in the United States.

But, it said, trading in the UK was impacted by a decline in footfall as a result of the rapid rise in Omicron cases.

Associated British Foods said like-for-like sales were ten per cent lower in the 16 weeks to January 8 when compared with pre-pandemic levels two years ago.

However, the company said trading had improved in recent weeks with sales 36% ahead of last year when there was widespread closure of stores in the UK due to lockdown measures.

Primark has 20 locations in Scotland, including three in Glasgow, two in Edinburgh and stores in Ayr, Stirling, Perth, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness.

The announcement comes after a historic Marks and Spencer store in Glasgow is set to close in a blow to the city’s Sauchiehall Street.