// Next is to cut jobs at Joules
// It has also brought forward the relaunch of the fashion brand to October
Next has launched consultations with Joules staff as it said a number of tasks could now be absorbed into the retail giant’s teams or are no longer be needed.
The retailer did not disclose how many jobs are at risk but said it will work with those affected to ensure that they are considered for any suitable vacancies at its head office, which is located close to Joules’ headquarters in Market Harborough.
It is anticipated that those remaining with Joules from the senior management, product and marketing teams will continue to work from its existing offices.
Next snapped up the fashion brand out of administration for £34 million in December after teaming up with founder Tom Joule for the deal.
The retailer took on 100 stores, saving almost 1,500 jobs across the embattled fashion brand’s stores and head office.
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Next said it had always intended that its total platform would deliver material cost savings to Joules.
It added: “Following the decision to deliver much broader services to Joules, we are now planning for those savings to be significantly greater than originally anticipated.”
The job cuts come as Next revealed it is accelerating Joules transition to its total platform.
The high-street giant’s technology teams said they “have made significant progress in reducing the lead times” for the platform and as a result, it believes Joules can launch its site “much earlier than expected.”
The proposed launch date, which was initially March 2024 is now planned for October 2023.
READ MORE: What’s Next for Joules under its new owner?
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