HMV and Waterstone’s head office staff are in consultation as parent HMV Group strives to make cost savings across the business.

HMV Group would not reveal how many people are affected or at what level, or how many jobs cuts it intends to make.

A spokeswoman said: “Head office restructuring has begun. We are in consultation with the individuals affected.”

An email sent to publishers by outgoing product director Tim Watson and seen by the Bookseller said: “We are currently in consultation with the individuals affected. I am afraid that there is little that we can share with you at this time but we will be able to provide you with further information once the process is complete. We thank you for your consideration whilst the consultation takes place.”

It is thought Waterstone’s offices in Solihull and Brentwood are affected.

HMV revealed dire Christmas trading last week and plans to close 60 shops. It said it had “identified a further £10m per annum of cost savings from across the Group”.