Boots has announced that it’s planning to cut more than 4,000 jobs as part of a major shake-up to mitigate the “significant impact” of Covid-19.
A spokesperson for Boots UK told Pharmacy Business this lunchtime (July 9) that the “proposals are not expected to impact Boots pharmacists or pharmacy advisors.”
The latest restructuring will affect around seven per cent of the company’s workforce and will particularly affect staff at its head office in Nottingham.
The latest announcement comes after retail sales of Boots UK fell by 48 per cent over the past three months, while its opticians’ business saw sales nosedive by 72 per cent compared to the same quarter last year, which is why the company is proposing to close 48 Boots Opticians stores.
Boots UK, which is owned by US-headquartered Walgreens Boots Alliance, said the cuts represented an “acceleration” of its transformation plans to improve profitability across the business.
Sebastian James, managing director of Boots UK, said: “The proposals announced today are decisive actions to accelerate our transformation plan, allow Boots to continue its vital role as part of the UK health system, and ensure profitable long-term growth.
“I am so very grateful to all our colleagues for their dedication during the last few challenging months. They have stepped forward to support their communities, our customers and the NHS during this time, and I am extremely proud to be serving alongside them.”
“In doing this, we are building a stronger and more modern Boots for our customers, patients and colleagues.
“We recognise that today’s proposals will be very difficult for the remarkable people who make up the heart of our business, and we will do everything in our power to provide the fullest support during this time.”
Allaying fears, the company said its pharmacies continued to serve at the heart of communities across the UK, and its patient and customer satisfaction scores were at the highest levels ever.
With further investment in digital and online pharmacy and retail services, Boots hopes to provide new ways for patients to receive even more access to its trusted pharmacy care and advice.
