Marks & Spencer’s logistics division is set to be restructured in a move that will see “a handful” of its 175 London-based logistics staff made redundant. 

The rest are set to be transferred to Marks and Spencer’s Hemel Hempstead distribution hub.

The move is part of cost-cutting proposals, which aim to reduce staff numbers at Marks & Spencer’s head office by around 525 roles and reduce the number of logistics and IT roles in central London.

The proposal follows a major review of the company, prompted by M&S worst clothing sales performance since 2008, which found the retailer had become “too complex and inefficient”.

M&S entered into consultation with employees about the proposals this week, which it said would deliver “significant” cost savings, cutting around 1% off its annualised operating costs in the UK business.

An M&S spokeswoman told Motortransport.co.uk: “We are proposing to relocate the logistics team to Hemel Hempstead to ensure everyone is consolidated in one area,” adding that “a handful” of logistics employees would be made redundant.”

M&S said the proposals will not have any impact on suppliers to M&S logistics.

Steve Rowe, M&S CEO, said: “M&S has to become a simpler and more effective organisation if we are to deliver our plans to recover and grow our business."

“It is never easy to propose changes that impact on our people, but I believe that the proposals outlined today are absolutely necessary and will help us build a different type of M&S – one that can take bolder, pacier decisions, be more profitable and ultimately better serve our customers.”

Topics