John Lewis is reportedly planning major restructuring moves, which could see shops axed from the high street and result in the loss of hundreds of jobs.
The UK’s oldest department store is said to be in talks with landlords over potential store closures and the possibility of job losses after facing struggles amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Sharon White, Chair at John Lewis, is believed to have have penned a letter to staff and partners this week.
In the letter, as seen and reported by the Evening Standard, Ms White reportedly told staff members: “The difficult reality is that we have too much store space for the way people want to shop now. As difficult as it is, we now know that it is highly unlikely that we will reopen all our John Lewis stores.”
“Regrettably, it is likely that there will implications for some Partners’ jobs.”
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“We are in active discussions with landlords about ending some leases and renegotiating others to make the terms more flexible.”
There are currently 20 John Lewis open to the public since non-essential retailers were given the green light by the UK government to begin trading again from 15th June and plans to open a further 10 stores on 13th July were announced today.
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This includes the Trafford Centre store.
Peter Turner / Geograph
Speaking on behalf of the retailer regarding the announcement of store reopenings, Bérangère Michel at John Lewis, said: “I am really pleased to announce more shop openings in the next couple of weeks, and in particular our first to reopen in Wales and Scotland.”
“We continue to stick to our safe, not fast approach.”
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“We are learning as we go and tweaking our approach to give our customers and Partners the best possible experience.”
Back in March, John Lewis revealed that its annual profits had slumped 23% to £123m and it slashed its annual bonus to 2% of salary.
Sharon White, Chair at John Lewis, stated at the time: “The pandemic has led to profound shifts in the way we all live and shop, even our sense of self. While this coming period of transformation will sadly mean the end of some Partnership stories, we have to change for the future of the Partnership.”
“We have to resize the business – facing into and not shying away from difficult decisions – and seize the opportunities to regrow.”
“The prize is a sustainable Partnership that is still thriving in 100 years.”
For more information ahead of store reopenings, visit the John Lewis website here.
News
Man re-arrested in relation to Manchester synagogue terror attack after previous release
Emily Sergeant
A man who was previously arrested and released in relation to the terror attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall last week has been re-arrested.
The 30-year-old was first arrested on 2 October on suspicion of the commission, preparation, and instigation of acts of terrorism following the shocking knife and car attack, which took place on Yom Kippur last week – the holiest day in the Jewish calendar – at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue.
Two men sadly lost their lives during the attack – Adrian Daulby, 53, who is believed to have been shot dead by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) while trying to stop the attacker from entering the synagogue, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, a worshipper who also helped stop the attacker.
The attacker has been named as 35-year-old Jihad al Shamie – a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent who lived in Prestwich – who at the time was on bail for an alleged rape, before being shot dead by police.
A man has been re-arrested in relation to the Manchester synagogue terror attack after a previous release / Credit: GMP
The man was re-arrested on suspicion of Failing to Disclose Information contrary to S38B of the Terrorism Act 2000.
He was arrested at 12.34pm under PACE at Manchester Airport earlier yesterday (9 October) and has since been released on bail – but this time ‘with conditions’.
GMP says they ‘do not believe’ there is any ongoing threat to the public following the incident last week, even in the wake of the re-arrest.
The news of the re-arrested comes after an ongoing investigation currently by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) revealed earlier this week that it had found no evidence of police ‘misconduct’ during the incident.
It remains a live investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing North West.
Featured Image – GMP
News
Independent review into police actions during Manchester synagogue terror attack finds ‘no misconduct’
Emily Sergeant
An independent review into the terror attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall last week has concluded there was ‘no misconduct’ by the police.
The investigation was carried out by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following the shocking knife and car attack, which took place last Thursday 2 October on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue.
Two men sadly lost their lives during the attack – Adrian Daulby, 53, who is believed to have been shot dead by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) while trying to stop the attacker from entering the synagogue, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, a worshipper who also helped stop the attacker.
The attacker has been named as 35-year-old Jihad al Shamie – a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent who lived in Prestwich – who at the time was on bail for an alleged rape, before being shot dead by police.
Statement from Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson following an update from the Independent Office for Police Conduct. This comes after last week's attack at Heaton Park Synagogue. pic.twitter.com/5tQQKeNaTh
The IOPC says its investigation is ‘mandatory’ in situations where police use of force may have resulted in the death of a member of the public.
Their investigation looked at the actions and decision-making of the officers involved in the incident.
“Over the coming days, we will continue to review the substantial amount of evidence gathered up to now, and will begin the process of obtaining more detailed statements from police witnesses,” the IOPC said in a statment.
GMP’s Chief Constable, Sir Stephen Watson, says he ‘welcomes’ the IOPC’s finding that no misconduct is apparent in the actions required of officers in ‘bringing this dreadful attack to an end’.
An independent review into police actions during the Manchester synagogue terror attack has found ‘no misconduct’ / Credit: GMP
He said in a statement addressing the matter: “Our thoughts will always be with the families and loved ones of those directly affected by this tragedy together with the wider community across Greater Manchester and beyond. Our significant presence and determination to protect everyone from all faith communities across our city region will continue unabated.”
With the IOPC’s investigation into the incident still ongoing, CC Watson assured ‘GMP is committed to openness, transparency, and candour’.
“In respect of all our previous dealings with [al Shamie], and we have therefore asked the IOPC to include this aspect in their ongoing review,” CC Watson continued.
“This includes previous reports of harassment, and an arrest for reports of rape over the past year, for which he was on bail at the time of the attack.”
The Manc -
1st July 2020 
