Shoe manufacturer and retailer Clarks announces more than 100 job losses at Somerset headquarters

The shoe manufacturer and retailer Clarks has announced more than 100 jobs are to be cut from its headquarters in Somerset.

The job losses are said to be part of a plan to cut around 700 jobs worldwide over the next 18 months, including 108 at the firm’s warehouse and central offices in Street.

The company says it is to ensure it has a 'sustainable and successful future'. It went onto say it is actively supporting staff to find alternative employment within or outside of Clarks

Clark's CEO Giorgio Presca added: "There are exciting opportunities ahead for our business, and we are having to make some difficult decisions to get there.

"We thank all affected staff for their contribution to our business and they leave their roles with our heartfelt respect and support.”

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The Unite union, which represents a large number of Clarks staff in Street, has described the news as a 'bitter blow' for staff and the local economy.

The union went onto say it is 'fighting to save as many jobs as possible.’

Unite's regional officer Gareth Lowe said: “This is a bitter blow for Clarks workers, particularly during such uncertain times.

Clarks is Street's biggest employer and Somerset’s regional economy will also be dealt a heavy blow by these losses."

Street county councillor, Liz Leyshon, says it is 'unthinkable that Clarks wouldn't be in the village in the future.'