Boots to cut more than 4,000 jobs after 'significant' impact of Covid-19 on business

The high street pharmacy chain will be cutting seven per cent of its workforce to mitigate the financial impact of lockdown.

Boots has announced it plans to axe 4,000 jobs – about seven per cent of its workforce - due to the “significant” impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The pharmacy high street chain, with 35 branches across Edinburgh, will also see 48 Boots Opticians stores close across the UK.

Information on which stores are due to close has not be released yet, but check back at www.scotsman.com for regular updates.

Boots to cut more than 4,000 jobs across its UK stores

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. In doing this, we are building a stronger and more modern Boots for our customers, patients and colleagues.

“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.

“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.”