900 job losses to come at Boots

Oct 5 2010 by Iain Laing, The Journal

HEALTHCARE giant Alliance Boots is to axe 900 non-store jobs over the next three years in a move aimed at saving £56m.

The jobs will go from the Health and Beauty Division and related contract manufacturing activities, leading to a streamlining of manufacturing operations.

Most of the cuts will be in Nottingham, said Alliance Boots, adding that the losses represented less than 10% of its non-store workforce.

Alex Gourlay, chief executive of the health and beauty division, said: “Since 2007, we have undertaken a number of steps to make our business more robust, investing significantly in our stores and commercial offering.

“This latest phase will enable us to have a stronger and more agile support infrastructure fit for the long-term future. Our intention is to be open and transparent about how we see the future, but we understand the impact that today’s announcement may have on our people.”

Paul Maloney, national officer of the GMB union, said: “This is really bad news. We will be seeking urgent talks with the company to find out what is behind this decision.”