Business

Jobs set to go across Currys PC World's retail operation

Currys PC World have ten branches in the north. Picture by Nick Ansell/PA Wire
Currys PC World have ten branches in the north. Picture by Nick Ansell/PA Wire Currys PC World have ten branches in the north. Picture by Nick Ansell/PA Wire

JOBS look set to be lost across electronic retailer Currys PC World’s ten stores in the north after its owner said it will cut 800 jobs.

Dixons Carphone said the overhaul will see it create a "flatter management structure" as it adapts to increasing online sales.

The group said it will remove retail manager, assistant manager and team leader roles, introducing new sales manager, customer experience manager and operational excellence manager positions in stores.

The retailer will also create opportunities for staff to join its ShopLive personal shopping service, where customers are advised by sales staff from home via video-link.

Its ten stores here include Belfast (Forestside), Newtownabbey, Sprucefield, Bangor, Craigavon, Ballymena, Newry, Coleraine, Derry and Enniskillen.

It comes months after the technology retailer announced plans to shut all 531 of its standalone Carphone Warehouse mobile phone stores in the UK, with the loss of 2,900 jobs.

Dixons Carphone's chief operating officer Mark Allsop said: "We remain committed to our stores as part of an omnichannel future, where we offer the best of online and stores to our customers.

"This proposal will ensure in-store roles are focused on giving a seamless customer experience and exceptional service across all our customer channels, whether online or in-store.

"Sadly, this proposal means we have now entered into consultation with some of our store colleagues.

"This was not an easy decision and we'll do everything possible to look after those colleagues we can't find new roles for, financially and otherwise."