Jarrold announces redundancy consultation as ‘Covid crisis’ hits high street

Norwich department store Jarrold is to consult over potential staff redundancies stating: “We cannot survive long term without making changes.”

Minnie Moll of Jarrold. Picture: Keiron Tovell. - Credit: Archant

Chief executive Minnie Moll said in a statement: “The Covid crisis has had an unprecedented impact on the high street, as businesses right across the UK have lost three months of trading and face a very uncertain time for months to come.

“As well-run and financially secure as Jarrold is, unfortunately we are not immune to the impact and we cannot survive long term without making changes to the way we run the business.”

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Ms Moll continued: “Against this backdrop I can confirm that unfortunately we have entered a period of consultation with colleagues about potential redundancies. I must stress that this is not a reflection on our colleagues, their commitment or how much we value them.

“Ultimately, while this isn’t a decision we take lightly, we have to secure the long-term future of the company.”

Jarrold employs almost 400 people, some of who were unfurloughed to return to work when the store reopened earlier this week. It is not known how many people are affected by the announcement.