H&M is set to cut 150 jobs at its Edinburgh call centre, with the office scheduled to close next year. The fashion retailer informed employees at its Waverley Gate office in August about the proposal to shut down the building due to the lease expiring in 2025. The closure is attributed to factors such as increased competition, shifting customer behaviours, and rising operational costs.
Affected staff members were given two weeks’ notice of their dismissal, with those entitled to more notice being compensated accordingly. Consultations with employees took place between September and November this year. H&M mentioned that several job losses were mitigated as some employees were offered alternative positions, found other employment opportunities, or opted to leave voluntarily.
Operations at the call centre will cease on December 14, leading to the complete closure of the site in March 2025. A spokeswoman for H&M stated to BBC Scotland News, “We constantly evaluate how we operate to ensure that we deliver on our goals and contribute to the overall success of the company.”
The Scottish government has engaged with H&M in efforts to lessen the impact of the closure, with the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment service already providing support to affected staff members.
This announcement marks a challenging time for the employees and their families. Despite the difficult decision to close the Edinburgh call centre, H&M remains committed to adapting its operations to meet market demands and customer expectations while maintaining overall company success.