Ikea is to make a number of its UK staff redundant due to "challenging" trading conditions in the home furnishing sector, the BBC has learned.
Ikea is to make a number of its UK staff redundant due to "challenging" trading conditions in the home furnishing sector, the BBC has learned.
Although the firm has yet to say how many workers will be affected, the cuts will be made by January 2008.
Although the firm has yet to say how many workers will be affected, the cuts will be made by January 2008.
Ikea said in a statement that its UK operations needed to become "more productive, efficient, and flexible".
Ikea said in a statement that its UK operations needed to become "more productive, efficient, and flexible".
The Swedish giant has 15 stores across the UK and 9,000 workers. Another two branches will open later this year.
The Swedish giant has 15 stores across the UK and 9,000 workers. Another two branches will open later this year.
'Not lean'
'Not lean'
"Today we recognise that the way in which we operate our units is not meeting the needs of our customers, nor is it always a lean, simple and quick way of working," Ikea said.
"Today we recognise that the way in which we operate our units is not meeting the needs of our customers, nor is it always a lean, simple and quick way of working," Ikea said.
"In addition the home furnishing sector in which we operate has had a couple of challenging years.
"In addition the home furnishing sector in which we operate has had a couple of challenging years.
"Indications from the market are that this will continue."
"Indications from the market are that this will continue."
It added that it was also being affected by increased competition from the supermarket sector.
It added that it was also being affected by increased competition from the supermarket sector.
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