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Somerset shoe firm to axe 170 jobs

Clarks shoe-makers have been a global leader in the footwear market for 190 years. Credit: ITV West Country

One of Somerset's biggest companies, the shoe-makers Clarks, has announced plans to cut 170 jobs.

The majority of the jobs will be lost from its headquarters in Street, where they currently employ more than a thousand people. The company says its in conversation with employees both based in Somerset and in their centre in Boston.

The company says the increasingly demanding commercial environment and more competition, are the reasons for the restructuring of the business.

1,230
employees in Somerset centre
Credit: ITV News

A spokesperson for the footwear company, which employs 1,230 people in Street, said it was 'restructuring to make the best use of its team'.

The company also hope the move will use their resources more efficiently.

We have in recent years, experienced a highly demanding commercial and economic environment, with increasing competition and intensified customer expectations. To meet these challenges Clarks has undertaken an in-depth review and a subsequent reorganisation of the business.

Clarks has begun restructuring the company to focus on its global distribution channels, combining its product and marketing functions and making best use of its talented product development teams in Street, Somerset and Boston, Massachusetts. The reorganisation will also address duplication of capabilities and inefficiencies across the Company.

This reorganisation unfortunately means that we are in conversations with approximately 170 people who will leave our business across our global operations over the coming month.

– Clarks spokesperson