Debenhams blames economic downturn as it plans to shed 170 jobs

HIGH-STREET chain Debenhams has blamed the economic downturn for its decision to seek at least 170 redundancies across its operations here.

The company informed local union representatives yesterday that it was looking for the voluntary job losses from its 11 stores. While the roles targeted are at every grade, it is expected the majority will be in sales and clerical.

It is understood that every store has been told how many full-time roles need to be cut.

In Cork city, the company is looking for 38 redundancies between the Mahon Point and Patrick Street stores.

A company spokesman said the number of redundancies they were seeking was 170 full-time equivalents, meaning it may be higher if part-time workers have to make up some of those who lose their jobs.

“It really depends on who volunteers,” he said.

However, he also said the company was keen to reinforce its dedication to Ireland.

“Debenhams has spent €45m in Ireland in the last few years and they want to open more stores in the future, but they have to be “right-sized” in stores they are already operating before they can do that,” he said.

Linda Tanham, of Mandate, said her union had sought an urgent meeting with management to establish the potential impact for its members.

“Discussions are only commencing at the moment and not a lot of detail is known, but we hope to be able to clarify the situation for our members after our meeting with management scheduled for next week,” said Ms Tanham.

“More and more jobs are being lost in the retail sector as a direct result of the downturn in the economy and, in particular, customers going over the border to do their shopping.

“We have no doubt that this has been a major contributor to the loss of jobs in the Debenhams situation and it is quite frustrating to see Irish workers losing jobs at a time when they are already struggling to make ends meet.

“Low-paid workers in the retail sector are having difficulties paying their bills and their mortgages so job losses are the last thing they, or indeed, the economy needs right now.”

Debenhams employs 2,400 people in 11 stores across the country.