Ethical cosmetics retailer Body Shop will axe up to 275 staff following a review of its business.

The retailer has begun a consultation with staff and said that as many as 275 jobs could be lost, 150 of which would be in the UK.

The store group said that its new structure would not affect shops or store staff.

In a statement Body Shop said: “In line with previous organisational changes at Body Shop the company has confirmed that, as it starts consultation, it will make every effort to redeploy affected employees in suitable new positions within the revised structure.”

Body Shop has 2,500 retail outlets across 62 markets worldwide and employs 9,200 people.