Restructuring events
European Restructuring Monitor (ERM)
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.
The British Kingfisher distribution group confirmed to its central works council the cut of 409 jobs in its two network of stores in France, Castorama and Brico Dépôt. The reorganisation announced last fall will result in 321 job cuts at Castorama and 88 in Bricot Dépôt. In addition, 164 transfers of posts are planned, mostly to another legal entity of Kingfisher in France, without geographical mobility. At the end, if all employees refused, it would raise the number of job cuts to 573. Out of the total 409 job cuts, 242 are related to positions in Castorama stores. Positions affected by the cuts are in logistics, sales and HR.
According to the management 'everyone will be offered an internal reclassification in their store', said Kingfisher 's press release. The other positions eliminated are at the headquarters (Templemars in the department of Nord for Castorama and Longpont-sur-Orge for Brico Dépôt) and in the warehouses of the two brands. For Kingfisher, this is 'accelerating its digital transition' and 'improving its operational efficiency'.
The reorganisation is particularly opposed by the unions because it provides for the creation of a shared services centre in Poland to manage its financial transactions and accounting activities, which will be consolidated in Krakow.
The group announced also 102 job creations (49 at Castorama and 53 at Brico dépôt).
Kingfisher employs 13,000 people at Castorama (102 stores) and 8,000 at Brico Dépôt (121 stores).
Eurofound (2018), Kingfisher, Internal restructuring in France, factsheet number 93260, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/93260.