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.