Bookseller Borders UK is restructuring its head office and implementing a pay freeze as the recession takes its toll on the business.

It is the second time in 12 months that the retailer has initiated a consultation with staff.

Borders is reviewing all departments at its head office, and the consultation is expected to be completed next week.

The number of jobs to go has not been confirmed, although a Borders spokesperson said it is likely to be a “single-digit number”, and added the company “will not be making any across-the-board pay award in 2009".

Borders chief executive Philip Downer told Retail Week: "We're not talking about a large number. It's a trimming activity because of the nature of the retail market we are operating in. It's important to take prudent action. In a climate like this we have to carefully scrutinise everything."

Downer added Borders is not planning any more job cuts within the next 12 months, and said there are no planned store closures on the horizon.

Borders restructured its buying team last June, and asked staff to reapply for their jobs, leading to eight buyers leaving the business.

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