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Debenhams is set to cut 2,500 jobs across its stores and warehouses as the company looks to slash costs due to the coronavirus lockdown. 

A spokesperson for the business said the high street was “a long way from returning to normal”. 

“We have successfully reopened 124 stores, post-lockdown, and these are currently trading ahead of management expectations,” they said. 

“At the same time, the trading environment is clearly a long way from returning to normal and we have to ensure our store costs are aligned with realistic expectations.

“Those colleagues affected by redundancy have been informed and we are very grateful to them for their service and commitment to Debenhams.

“Such difficult decisions are being taken by many retailers right now, and we will continue to take all necessary steps to give Debenhams every chance of a viable future.”

The news follows redundancies at a number of high street retailers, including 950 jobs at Marks & Spencer and 4,000 roles at Boots. 

Department store John Lewis also announced in July it would permanently close eight stores, putting 1,300 jobs at risk.