15 major companies who have made the biggest job cuts during the coronavirus pandemic in the UK – includes Marks and Spencer, Boots, Debenhams and TUI
The coronavirus pandemic and lockdown has left hundreds of thousands of people out of work.
On Tuesday, August 18, Marks & Spencer said it would reduce its headcount by around 7,000 workers over the coming months – becoming the latest business to announce major redundancies after the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic halted the economy.
Last week, more than 4,300 major job losses were announced at big British employers.
It comes as the Office for National Statistics said 730,000 people have been taken off payrolls since the beginning of the crisis in March.
Here is a list of 15 major British employers that have announced the most job cuts since the start of the lockdown:
1. OVO Energy
The Bristol based energy supply company announced 2,600 job cuts on May 19.
Photo: Jeremy O'Donnell
2. The Restaurant Group
The owners of popular restaurant chain Frankie and Benny's announced around 3,000 job losses on June 10.
Photo: Naomi Baker
3. Ryanair
Irish budget airline Ryanair announced 3,000 job cuts worldwide on May 1.
Photo: Ian Waldie
4. Virgin Atlantic
The second of several companies in the tourism industry to feature on this list. Virgin Atlantic announced 3,150 job cuts on May 5.
Photo: Jeff J Mitchell