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AFP
Struggling department store group Debenhams says it will cut 2,500 jobs in the UK as it struggles to survive the coronavirus pandemic.
The cuts will be across its stores and distribution centre but it did not say which shops would be affected.
The chain said the current trading environment for retailers was still “a long way from returning to normal.”
The firm had said it planned to make cuts after falling into administration for the second time in a year in April.
Earlier this year, it said 20 of its stores would remain permanently closed due to the impact of the pandemic.
Debenhams said the job cuts were “a difficult decision”.
“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.
“We have to ensure our store costs are aligned with realistic expectations,” it added.
The chain said that peple affected had been informed and thanked them for their “service and commitment”.
“We have successfully reopened 124 stores, post-lockdown, and these are currently trading ahead of management expectations,” it said.