Fears for jobs at popular Meadowhall store after 'significant downturn in customers'

Vice News UK has reported that Urban Outfitters will cut jobs across its UK retail stores, having been forced to close them for three months.

An email sent to staff last week read: “You are no doubt aware of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on retailers such as URBN, and also on the economy as a whole, due to the inability of customers to travel and shop in the way they used to.

“The company was compelled to close all UK stores for 13 weeks, resulting in a substantial, unrecoverable loss to URBN. Since they have re-opened, we have seen a significant downturn in the number of consumers visiting our stores.”

Sheffield shops, pubs and restaurants that have not reopened since lockdown was eased

The email said customers’ increased preference for online shopping had also contributed to the proposed redundancies. It is not know how many jobs at the Sheffield store are at risk, or if it will remain open. The Star has contacted Urban Outfitters for comment.

Last week the UK officially went into recession for the first time in 11 years after the economy suffered its biggest slump on record between April and June due to lockdown measures. The economy shrank 20.4 per cent compared with the first three months of the year. Thousands of jobs have already been lost, particularly in sectors affected by lockdown, with fears more could go when the furlough scheme ends in October.