UK carpets, flooring and beds retailer Carpetright is planning to lay off more than 25% of its head office staff as the company faces a prolonged downturn in trading. 

The privately-owned retailer notified its staff that approximately 70 jobs will be cut, Sky News reports. 

The layoffs will affect the retailer's headquarters in Purfleet, Essex, while no changes will be made to the number of stores or the headcount in its retail locations.  

Carpetright operates 285 stores and concessions in the UK and 120 stores in Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands.  

The decision to reduce head office roles in areas such as IT and warehousing is part of its strategy to lower its cost base by £22m ($27m). 

Since 2022 Carpetright has experienced substantial losses and is being advised by corporate strategy consultants Teneo on cost-cutting measures.  

The chain, founded by Lord Harris of Peckham, has been affected by reduced consumer spending and increased competition. 

Sky News quoted Carpetright’s parent company Nestware's chief executive Kevin Barrett as saying: "While we have worked tirelessly to navigate our current challenges, we understand the impact this restructure will have on valued members of our team. 

“Our top priority remains supporting those affected through this process. As with many businesses, we face ongoing challenges in today's tough economic climate.  

“We've carefully examined our performance against operating costs, leading us to make difficult decisions to ensure the future success of our brand."