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- Boots proposes practice closures in the wake of COVID-19
Boots proposes practice closures in the wake of COVID-19
Up to 48 Boots Opticians stores could close as the company launches a consultation for a transformation plan in response to the impact of coronavirus
09 July 2020
Boots UK has launched a consultation process for a restructuring across its head office, store teams and Boots Opticians teams as the company aims to “mitigate the significant impact” that COVID-19 has had on the business.
The consultation includes proposals to cut up to 4000 jobs, as well as the closure of 48 Boots Opticians stores.
In a statement announcing the plans, the company explained that though a selection of stores have remained open throughout lockdown to provide pharmaceutical and healthcare services, with “dramatically reduced” footfall in the height of the lockdown and key revenue-driving parts of the business closed, retail sales have been affected.
More than 100 of the larger stores in locations such as city centres, stations and airports were closed, along with “the majority” of Boots Opticians practices, excepting some delivering essential and emergency care during the lockdown.
The company suggested these factors combined to impact retail sales, seeing a reduction of 72% for Boots Opticians and 48% for Boots UK in the third quarter, compared to last year.
The consultation process will consider “significant restructuring” across head office, store teams and Boots Opticians teams, which the company says could result in a reduction of the workforce by 7% and the closure of nearly 50 optical stores.
While restrictions are being lifted gradually in the UK, the company said that “with an uncertain economic outlook, it is anticipated that the High Street will take considerable time to recover.”
Managing director for Boots UK, Sebastian James, said the proposals are “decisive actions to accelerate our Transformation Plan” which would allow the company to continue its “vital role” in the UK health system and ensure profitable long-term growth.
Recognising the work of Boots colleagues through the lockdown period, he continued: “We recognise that today’s proposals will be very difficult for the remarkable people who make up the heart of our business, and we will do everything in our power to provide the fullest support during this time.”
The AOP’s head of employment, Liz Stephenson, called the news “distressing” for members employed by Boots UK.
“Throughout the pandemic optometrists and optical practices have been placed in increasingly difficult circumstances by slow decision making by the authorities,” Ms Stephenson commented. She added, “We are concerned that a company the size of Boots has reached this decision, and in particular that it has taken it so early, before the future landscape has taken shape.”
Ms Stephenson also recognised the concern for wider communities who may be impacted by the closures, commenting: “Optometrists will rightly be concerned for their patients and the impact that these closures may have on eye health as well as the impact on them and their families.”
“The AOP will do all it can to assist its members once more details become available and will be publishing resources to assist members,” Ms Stephenson added.
Comments (5)
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hilaryandmichael24 July 2020
The multiple optical apocalypse has begun-and the rebirth of good independent optometrist led businesses is in the offing
It's about time the corporate optical sectors got the drubbing it so thoroughly deserves-pity the MP's who were so in favour of the businesses deregulation won't fall into the chasm as well-but as is always the case-the detractors of independent people will still profit one way or another independent optometry its time to wake up-our time has come !
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cizeidan15 July 2020
Sad reflection on the optical market -realistically Boots opticians pushed the limits of loyalty from their own staff and most staff did not enjoy or respect the high ranked officers as they were detached from ground force- not surprised but others will follow - VE& OE- those who are looking at figures only as with Scrivens and Specsavers will soon also find loyalty is not a Cow that you milk dry and expect it to stay healthy! Professionalism sadly is thin niw due to the poor guidance and lack of leadership in the optical sector
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Anonymous14 July 2020
So do we really need apprentice Optoms now multiples are shedding jobs to protect their profits? Or was it just to push salaries down...
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Anonymous13 July 2020
Just adding to the above; Boots "customers" can now take the opportunity to become a PATIENT at a proper optometrists practice. And I do sincerely hope that Boots Optom's and DOs see the light and take the opportunity to work somewhere where they'll be valued and not have to work to impossible conversion rates/short appointment times.
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Anonymous13 July 2020
This has to be the best thing that has come out of this whole Coronavirus disaster - the closure of 48 money grabbing multiple stores (I won't call them practices). It doesn't matter it's Boots - I'd be delighted whichever multiple it was. They set up store because other stores are there for marginal gains in market share - that's all they're interested in. They don't care who they trample over in the process. GOOD RIDDANCE!
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