The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media and company websites in each EU Member State. This database was created in 2002.
Wholesale / Retail Retail trade Non-specialised retail sale 47.12 - Other non-specialised retail sale
4,000 jobs Number of planned job losses
Announcement Date
9 July 2020
Employment effect (start)
Foreseen end date
Description
Boots, the British pharmacy chain and health and beauty retailer has announced restructuring plans that involve 4,000 job cuts across the UK, affecting its head office, a network of stores and the closure of 48 Boots Opticians stores. Consultations with the affected employees and their representatives are already underway.
The managing director said that in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the company had taken “decisive actions” to accelerate the existing plans to transform the business. A representative of the trade union Unite commented that the announcement proved that government support to employers was not efficient enough to save jobs. Boots is one of the largest retailers in the UK, and it also has operations in Ireland, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands and Thailand.
Eurofound (2020), Boots UK, Closure in United Kingdom, factsheet number 101452, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/101452.
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