Fashion retailer H&M has reportedly placed approximately 250 UK jobs at risk of redundancy as part of an ongoing restructuring across its retail operations.
What has been announced
- On 6 August 2026, it was reported that H&M was planning job cuts across its UK head office, with the measures expected to affect hundreds of corporate employees.
- On 10 August 2026, reports indicated that H&M placed around 250 UK jobs at risk of redundancy in connection with an ongoing retail restructuring process.
About the company
H&M is an international fashion retailer with a substantial presence across the UK retail sector.
The business runs retail stores throughout the country alongside corporate and administrative teams based at its UK head office.
What happens next
When an employer proposes 100 or more redundancies at a single establishment, UK law requires a collective consultation period lasting at least 45 days before any dismissals take effect.
If between 20 and 99 redundancies are proposed at an establishment, the minimum collective consultation period is 30 days.
Consultations must cover ways to avoid dismissals, reduce the number of employees affected, and mitigate the consequences of any job losses.
Employees with at least two years of continuous service who are made redundant are entitled to statutory redundancy pay, calculated based on age, length of service, and statutory weekly pay limits.
Voluntary or compulsory redundancy
Employers often invite applications for voluntary redundancy to reduce headcount before moving to compulsory cuts.
Voluntary redundancy packages may include financial terms that improve upon the statutory minimum.
If voluntary redundancy does not achieve the required reduction, the employer will proceed with compulsory redundancies using objective selection criteria.
Your settlement agreement
Employees leaving through redundancy or agreed departures may be offered a settlement agreement.
A settlement agreement is a legally binding contract in which an employee agrees not to pursue employment claims against the employer, usually in return for an agreed financial payment.
For a settlement agreement to be legally binding under England and Wales law, the employee must receive independent legal advice on the terms and effect of the document.
Employers typically provide a financial contribution toward the cost of obtaining this independent legal advice.
Common questions
How many UK jobs are affected at H&M?
Reports state that approximately 250 UK roles have been placed at risk as part of restructuring, following earlier reports that cuts across the UK head office were expected to hit hundreds of employees.
What collective consultation rules apply?
If 100 or more staff are proposed for redundancy at one establishment, collective consultation must last at least 45 days. If the proposed redundancies are between 20 and 99, consultation must last at least 30 days.
Who qualifies for statutory redundancy pay?
You qualify for statutory redundancy pay if you have worked continuously for your employer for at least two years. The amount depends on your age, completed years of service, and the statutory cap on weekly pay.
Do I have to take independent legal advice on a settlement agreement?
Yes. A settlement agreement is only legally valid under UK employment law once you have received advice from an independent legal adviser, such as an employment solicitor.
How Deen & Co helps
Deen & Co Solicitors provides independent legal advice to UK employees facing redundancy. We advise on consultation procedures, review and negotiate settlement agreements, and ensure that your statutory and contractual employment rights are fully protected under England and Wales law.
Read more about settlement agreement advice or work out your statutory redundancy pay.
If your role is in London, our settlement agreement solicitors London can review the package before you sign.
Sources
- H&M puts around 250 UK jobs at risk as retail restructuring continues - The Workers Union — The Workers Union (10 August 2026)
- Exclusive: H&M plans UK head office job cuts, hitting hundreds of employees - retailgazette.co.uk — retailgazette.co.uk (6 August 2026)
Last updated 16 September 2026. This page summarises publicly reported information and is general guidance, not legal advice on your own situation.
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