H&M will close its Edinburgh call centre by year-end, affecting 150 jobs.
- The decision stems from expiring lease and financial pressures.
- Consultations were held with staff from September to November.
- Alternative roles reduced the number of redundancies.
- The call centre will cease operations on 14 December.
H&M has announced the closure of its Edinburgh call centre by the end of the current year, which will lead to the loss of approximately 150 jobs. This move comes as part of the company’s decision not to renew its lease at the Waverley Gate office due to expire in 2025.
The closure is attributed to increasing competition, evolving customer behaviours, and rising operational costs. “We constantly evaluate how we operate to ensure that we deliver on our goals and contribute to the overall success of the company,” a spokesperson for H&M stated, highlighting the strategic reasons behind this decision.
Documents reviewed by BBC Scotland News revealed that affected staff were provided with a two-week notice period. However, employees entitled to longer notice periods will receive compensation in lieu of notice.
In an effort to mitigate the impact on workers, the company conducted consultations with employees from September through November. During this time, alternative employment opportunities were explored, and some staff have already secured new roles, while others have opted to voluntarily leave the company.
The site will officially cease operations on 14 December, with the physical closure of the location scheduled for March 2025.
This development underscores the challenges businesses face in adapting to market changes and financial pressures.
