Uncertainty for WH Smith staff as company announces job cuts plan

WH Smith has said it could cut up to 1,500 jobs after the coronavirus pandemic led to a fall in customer numbers.

The move could affect staff at the Godalming branch, although the company has not yet given any indication which stores will be affected.

The company said group revenues were down 57% in July, compared with the same month last year, after its travel business was badly hit by the COVID-19 crisis.

It said it now expected to make a loss of between £70m and £75m for the year to August.

WH Smith group chief executive Carl Cowling said: "Covid-19 continues to have a significant impact on the WH Smith Group.

"Throughout the pandemic, we have responded quickly and taken decisive actions to protect the business including substantially strengthening our financial position. We have also welcomed support from Government where available.

"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."