Uncertainty for Helston WH Smith staff as company announces job cuts plan

Jobs could be under threat at WH Smith Helston as the company struggles nationally.

It has obviously been an incredibly tough time for retail nationally at the moment but WH Smith has been hit particularly hard.

The company have today (5th) said that over 1,500 jobs could be cut due to their struggles.

However, there is no indication yet which stores will be affected.

Revenue was down 57% in July compared to this time last year and the company is projected to make a loss of over £70 million from the year to August.

This loss of revenue is being put down to a hugely decreased number of customers due to coronavirus restrictions.

WH Smith group chief executive Carl Cowling said:

"In our travel business, while we are beginning to see early signs of recovery in some of our markets, the speed of recovery continues to be slow.

"At the same time, while there has been some progress in our high street business, it does continue to be adversely affected by low levels of footfall.

"As a result, we now need to take further action to reduce costs across our businesses.

"I regret that this will have an impact on a significant number of colleagues whose roles will be affected by these necessary actions, and we will do everything we can to support them at this challenging time."

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