Boots to shed 750 Beeston jobs
Alliance Boots has announced a 750-strong redundancy programme in its Beeston-based health and beauty division. It says the move will provide “a leaner central support organisation supported by new systems, a streamlining of manufacturing operations and optimisation of supply chain activities". The jobs will be lost over three years, the company said.
Alliance Boots said, where possible, the job losses will be achieved through staff turnover and by offering redeployment to other areas within the company. The restructuring programme is targeted to reduce operating costs by around £56m per annum by 2013/14. Related exceptional charges are expected to total about £67m.
Alex Gourlay, chief executive of the health & beauty division, said: “Since 2007, we have undertaken a number of steps to make our business more robust, investing significantly in our stores and commercial offering. This latest phase will enable us to have a stronger and more agile support infrastructure fit for the long-term future.
”Our intention is to be open and transparent about how we see the future, but we understand the impact that today’s announcement may have on our people. The leadership team is fully committed to supporting them in the months ahead as we further evolve our organisation.”
