Fashion retailer H&M has filed for redundancies in the UK, potentially affecting 250 employees, with Scottish stores, including those in Glasgow, expected to be impacted. The company cites 'organisational changes' as the reason for the proposed job cuts.
Redundancy details
The redundancies are expected to take place between October 2 and December 31, 2026, according to a report by Retail Gazette. The proposed changes were communicated through a collective consultation process that began in April.
A source claimed that employees were told the redundancies were due to 'overlapping responsibilities' and that 'decision making is too far from the customer'. An HR1 document has been filed, alerting the government to the redundancies.
Locations affected
While a final figure has yet to be confirmed, H&M's Oxford Street location is allegedly set to be hit the worst, with 40 staff members expected to be cut. Job cuts are also expected across Oxford Street, Regent Street, Stratford City, Manchester, Cardiff, and Birmingham locations.
In response, an H&M spokesperson said: 'As we announced in connection with the publication of our latest Financial Report, we are implementing organisational changes in our sales markets and within the central sales organisation. We have further reduced organisational complexity and brought decision-making closer to our customers.'
Financial context
The retailer has disputed the claim that 250 employees will be axed, stating this is the number of employees communicated about the job cuts. However, it did not share an updated figure. The spokesperson added: 'We kindly ask for your understanding that we will not be able to share more information.'
These redundancies come after H&M Group reported net sales of SEK 104.4 billion (£8.1 billion) for the first half of the financial year, down one per cent year-on-year in local currency. In the 12 months leading up to May 2026, H&M shut 128 stores worldwide.
At the time, the chain said: 'At H&M Group, we continuously evaluate and develop our store portfolio to meet our customers’ needs and offer the best possible shopping experience, both online and in our physical stores. As part of this ongoing work, we continue to optimise our store portfolio, with stores being opened, upgraded, and closed as needed.'
