Blacks Leisure plans to reduce its head office headcount.
Up to 500 jobs could be lost at Blacks Leisure as it shuts another 89 stores and cuts a fifth of its head office staff.
This is the company’s latest attempt to placate its bankers and secure its future. The closures will affect its Millets and Blacks chains across the UK.
Blacks announced this morning that it has opened consultations with staff over the proposed closure of the 89 stores, most of which have been loss-making for several years.
Photograph: Newscast
A Blacks’ spokeswoman declined to say how many staff would be affected as the consultation period has just begun, but it is thought that up to 450 jobs could go. Blacks is also planning to reduce its head office workforce in Northampton by around 50 people.
“Whilst it is highly regrettable that the Company is having to take these steps, both actions will ultimately strengthen the business and help ensure that a successful and profitable outdoor retailer emerges from the current restructuring process,” said the company.
Blacks has until the end of October to persuade Lloyds Banking Group that it has a viable future. Last week Blacks announced it is putting its 11 Sandcity stores into administration, but it also warned today that “further restructuring is still required to satisfy” Lloyds.
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