Clarks is axing up to 60 roles across several departments at its headquarters, its second round of redundancies in just over a year.

Clarks

Clarks

Clarks is axing up to 60 roles across several departments at its UK HQ

The footwear retailer is understood to be making between 50 and 60 redundancies to the 1,000-strong workforce at its Somerset HQ.

The retailer has made a raft of changes since the appointment of new boss Mike Shearwood last September, including slashing lead times for new products and kicking off a review of its 550-strong UK store estate.

This round of redundancies follows the retailer cutting 170 jobs as part of a global restructure in February last year.

A spokesperson for the retailer said: “As one of the world’s leading footwear brands, and, like all global businesses, Clarks is always evolving and improving the way we work.

‘Challenging environment’

“Our industry continues to face a challenging commercial and economic environment, with increasing cost pressures and intensified customer expectations.

“For our brand to meet these challenges, today and in the future, Clarks will always review and reorganise its business to ensure it remains agile and innovation-led.

“As part this continuous review, we are making some changes to improve the way we work across Clarks.

“Unfortunately, a small number of employees will be affected by these changes, but we are doing everything we can to minimise any impact. We have a strong duty of care to our employees and will be supporting them during this period.”

Clarks posted a 65% slump in full-year profits to £35m last June.