Boots to cut more than 4,000 jobs and close 48 opticians stores

48 Boots Opticians stores will close as sales dive 72%.

9 July 2020

High street pharmacy chain Boots will cut more than 4,000 jobs - 7% of its workforce - as part of action to mitigate the “significant impact” of Covid-19.

The move will hit staff in the company's Nottingham support office the hardest, as well as some deputy and assistant managers and beauty and customer advisors in store.

The restructuring will also result in the closure of 48 Boots Opticians stores.

It comes after retail sales tumbled by 48% over the past three months in the face of the pandemic, despite Boots keeping swathes of its stores open to customers.

Meanwhile, its opticians business saw sales dive by 72% compared to the same quarter last year as people stayed at home.

Boots said that the cuts represent an “acceleration” of its transformation plans to improve profitably across the business.

Boots boss Sebastian James

Sky News

Sebastian James, boss at Boots UK, said: “The proposals announced today are decisive actions to accelerate our transformation plan, allow Boots to continue its vital role as part of the UK health system, and ensure profitable long-term growth.

“I am so very grateful to all our colleagues for their dedication during the last few challenging months.

“They have stepped forward to support their communities, our customers and the NHS during this time, and I am extremely proud to be serving alongside them.”

“We recognise that today’s proposals will be very difficult for the remarkable people who make up the heart of our business, and we will do everything in our power to provide the fullest support during this time.

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Boots to cut more than 4,000 jobs and close 48 opticians stores

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