John Lewis plans to cut 325 jobs

Britain's biggest department store John Lewis could axe 325 store manager positions, despite delivering robust sales.

The proposal is part of the chain's long-term growth strategy, which includes streamlining its management structures across the group.

The company said it has started consultation on the changes which affect managers at all of its department stores.

There are four levels of management at stores; a managing director, a steering group, department managers and section managers.

The cuts will hit the third level of management and will create some new jobs at the steering group level.

If John Lewis decides to go ahead in cutting jobs, it is believed it would mark the most significant cull since 2009 when the company reviewed its overall structure.

John Lewis has traditionally held a model image as it is owned by its employees who share in the group's profits.

Last month the company posted record high store sales for the holiday period, outperforming high street rivals.

The company made £684.8m from sales for the five weeks to December 29th, up 14.8% from the year before.

RD