Struggling department store group Debenhams says it will cut 2,500 more jobs as it struggles to survive the coronavirus pandemic.
This is on top of the 4,000 announced since May, meaning the retailer will have cut a third of its workforce.
The cuts will be mainly across its UK stores and distribution centre, but it said no new shops were slated to shut.
Debenhams, which is currently in administration, declined to comment but its administrators, FRP, said consultation had not been possible as the retailer was insolvent and had “limited” options.
In April, Debenhams fell into administration for the second time in a year as coronavirus heaped pressure on the business. The firm said the current trading environment for retailers was still “a long way from returning to normal.
Earlier this year, it said 20 of its stores would remain permanently closed because of the impact of the pandemic.
Debenhams said “Such difficult decisions are being taken by many retailers right now, and we will continue to take all necessary steps to give Debenhams every chance of a viable future.
The group has successfully reopened 124 stores post-lockdown, and these are currently trading ahead of management expectations.
Debenhams could remain in administration for the rest of this year, as lenders wait to see how it performs post-lockdown and in the crucial Christmas trading period.
Like many of its competitors, the retailer was already ailing before the pandemic forced it to suspend trading at its department stores.
The news of the latest job cuts came after the British Retail Consortium said the number of visits to High Streets was still down significantly as people shopped online instead.