Waitrose set to close two stores with almost 200 jobs at risk - is one near you?

Waitrose is proposing to close two stores, putting almost 200 jobs at risk.

Shops in Newcastle (Eldon Square) and Croydon have both been earmarked for closure following "challenging" trading conditions.

Waitrose, which is owned by the John Lewis Partnership, is proposing to shut both stores on November 12 but this is subject to consultation with its employees.

The possible closures would affect 123 people in the Newcastle store and 70 staff members in Croydon.

Waitrose said: “We have found trading challenging in these shops in the last few years and, despite the best efforts of Partners, we have not been able to find a way to make the shop profitable in the long-term.

Waitrose said the wellbeing of its partners is a “priority” after announcing the closure of city centre store (Bloomberg via Getty Images)

“Our priority is our 193 Partners working in the store who will now enter a period of consultation. They will be fully supported throughout the process.

“If the proposed closures go ahead, every effort will be made to find new roles for those who wish to remain within the Partnership.

“Opportunities will include transferring to local Waitrose shops or working for johnlewis.com and waitrose.com. Newcastle and Croydon would continue to be served by waitrose.com in the event the closure is confirmed.”

The posh supermarket said the wellbeing of its partners is a “priority” and that it is committed to providing support- to those who face redundancy.

As well as statutory redundancy payments, partners are entitled to Partnership redundancy pay- this equates to two weeks’ pay for every year of service, regardless of age.

If partners have been working there for less than one year, they will receive a tax-free payment equivalent to one week’s contractual pay.

For anyone who has been working at the supermarket for two years, or who is made redundant, the supermarket is offering a Retraining Fund.

Waitrose stores in Ponteland, Hexham and Jesmond will remain open in the North East (PA)

This will be a contribution of up to £3,000 towards a recognised qualification or course of up to two years.

These partners would also be given access to a three month support programme with specialist assistance in CV writing and interview skills.

James Allen, head of retail for Waitrose, said: “Our priority now is doing everything we can to support our Partners in these shops.

"If the proposed closures go ahead, we will explore opportunities wherever possible for those who may wish to remain with the Partnership.

"Closing any store is always a last resort and is not a reflection on their hard work and dedication. Sadly, we have found trade challenging for some time and have not been able to find a way to make them profitable in the long-term.”