Marks & Spencer has disclosed details of 17 more stores to be shut, affecting 1,045 staff, as part of its ongoing restructuring.

The closures are part of the retailer’s previously revealed programme to overhaul its estate, which has already resulted in the shuttering of 30 branches so far and is likely ultimately oo involve about 100 altogether.

Marks & Spencer retail, operations and property director Sacha Berendji said: “We’re continuing to transform M&S with pace and as part of this we are making good progress with our plans to close over 100 stores - radically reshaping our store estate to become more relevant for our customers.

“Proposing to close stores is never easy, for our colleagues, customers or the local community, but it is vital for the future of M&S.

“Where we have closed stores, we are continuing to see an encouraging number of customers choosing other nearby locations and shopping on M&S.com.”

The latest 17 shops are:

  • Ashford
  • Barrow
  • Bedford
  • Boston
  • Buxton
  • Cwmbran
  • Deal
  • Felixstowe
  • Huddersfield
  • Hull
  • Junction One Antrim Outlet
  • Luton Arndale
  • Newark
  • Northwich
  • Rotherham
  • Sutton Coldfield
  • Weston Super Mare

M&S said it will now begin a consultation with affected staff “with the intention of retaining as many people as possible”.

So far 1,891 staff have been impacted by the closure programme. Out of them, 1,591 – about 80% - have been redeployed to other roles in M&S.