Homebase to lose 149 head office staff

It has been reported that Homebase’s parent company, Australia’s Wesfarmers, is to axe 149 support staff roles at the UK DIY and home improvement chain.

Those affected by the redundancies are understood to be based at the retailer’s head office - which employs around 800 people - and include staff within the buying and marketing teams, among others.

The changes come a month after Homebase’s entire senior team was removed, shortly after Wesfarmers’ acquisition of the company. The consultation process is understood to have begun yesterday, and will conclude in 45 days’ time.

Wesfarmers has confirmed plans to rebrand all Homebase stores as Bunnings - its DIY fascia in Australia - within five years. It is understood that nine stores will be rebranded ready for the British summer.

Wesfarmers told Horticulture Week:

“Earlier this month we updated our team about a proposed restructure of all store support functions. Obviously we will need to speak to the people whose jobs will be affected first and it would not be appropriate to give details while we are involved in a consultation process.

“What we can say is that we are not simply making across-the-board changes. Rather, we are reshaping the support resource to allow us to help the stores in the best manner possible. We have committed to our team that we will move forward as quickly as we can and that we will treat every team member affected generously and with respect.”

Retail Week confirmed that a Homebase spokesperson had said: ”Bunnings wants to provide clearer responsibilities and better development opportunities. In order to do this they need a more cost effective, simpler head office structure.”

Source : Insight DIY

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