Debenhams to cut over 2000 jobs

Debenhams has confirmed it will be cutting 2500 jobs from its stores and warehouses as the effects of the pandemic are felt across the already struggling business. Retail, a sector that has been ravaged lockdown measures, has seen a massive downturn across the board. Last month, Debenhams went into administration for the second time in a year and announced they would be permanently shuttering their Irish operation. In May, Debenhams announced that 5 of their UK stores would remain shut, putting 1000 jobs at risk. Debenhams said: "We have successfully reopened 124 stores, post-lockdown, and these are currently trading ahead of management expectations. "At the same time, the trading environment is clearly a long way from returning to normal and we have to ensure our store costs are aligned with realistic expectations. "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." Similar companies in the sector like John Lewis and M&S have also made redundancies and closed stores as shoppers stayed away from the high street for most of 2020 to comply with government guidance.