The owners of Brown Thomas and Arnotts have this week released a statement announcing that as part of overall cost reduction requirements owners will need to make a reduction in the number of people employed in the business by 150 people.

In a statement, the store said it will now commence a consultative process with the relevant people, which will outline a number of flexible options for those impacted, along with voluntary redundancy.

These options will include where appropriate, adjusting working hours to support a work and home life balance, taking a career break, early retirement or short working week options. The owners anticipate the process to go on for 8 weeks and finish by mid-October.

Speaking this week, Managing Director of Brown Thomas Arnotts, Donald McDonald said, "The retail industry is being severely impacted by unprecedented circumstances related to COVID-19 and Brown Thomas Arnotts is no exception. Like many others, we are feeling the effects with sales expected to be significantly down, making 2020 the toughest year we have experienced in recent times."

He added, "Over the past few weeks we have given careful consideration to a recovery plan, examining every aspect of our business, from costs, to ways of working, organisational structure and we have also looked at ways of strengthening those parts of our business that have become even more critical during this time, such as digital. We have devised a plan to not only protect our business but position us to navigate the significant challenges that lie ahead; we have prepared for a whole range of possible and even unpredictable outcomes."

Source: www.businessworld.ie